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PUBLICATIONS 


OF THE 




NEW ORLEANS, LA 




■ \ ^ 
\<JV 


Centennial Celebration of the Louisiana 
Transfer, December, 1903 , 





Complied by resolution of the Society, by President Alcee Fortier, with the 
assistance of James M. Augustin, Assistant Secretary of the 

Celebration Committee. 


VOL. Ill, PART II. 


NEW ORLEANS: 

Published by the Louisiana Historical Society, 

1934. 









vmzma 


OHAPART, 


SOUVENIR DESIGN, BY PROF. JOHN P. PEMBERTON, MEMBER 
OF THE LOUISIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 





PUBLICATIONS 


OF THE 




IANA 






H 




Y 


NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. 


CeriteriiRial Celebratior] of tt\e 
Loiiisiar]a Transfer, 
December, 1903. 


Compiled, by resolution of the Society, by President Alcee Fortier, with the 
assistance of James M. Augustin, Assistant Secretary of the 

Celebration Committee. 


VOL. Ill, PART II. 


) 

i 

> .) 
* > ) 



NEW ORLEANS: 



FAC-SIMILE OF COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL. 


( 


Press of 

SEARCY & PFAFF, Ltd. 
New Orleans. 


Officers and Committees of the Louisiana Historical 
Society in December, 1903 — The Three Days’ 
Programme — The Society’s Meeting on 
the Eve of the Celebrations — Cen- 
tennial Proclamation — His- 
tory of the Louisiana 
Historical So- 
ciety. 


OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES OF THE LOUISIANA 
HISTORICAL SOCIETY, DECEMBER, 1903. 

• President, Prof. Alcee Fortier ; First Vice-President, Hon. 
Ju stice Joseph A. Breaux; Second Vice-President, Plon. J. S. 
Zacharie; Secretary, Miss Grace King; Treasurer, J. W. Cruzat ; 
Assistant Secretary, Charles G. Gill, Esq. 

COMMITTEE ON CELEBRATION OF THE TRANSFER 

OF LOUISIANA. 

Chairman — Prof. Alcee Fortier. 

Vice-Chairman — Hon. James S .Zacharie. 

Secretary — Charles G. Gill. 

Assistant Secretary — James M. Augustin. 

Members — Dr. E. A. Alderman, Wm. Beer, Hon. Jos. A. 
Breaux, G. Cusachs, Charles F. Claiborne, H. Garland Dupre, 
Prof. John R. Ficklen, Charles G. Gill, Rev. Max Heller, John 
M. Henshaw, Hon. Wm. Wirt Howe, Miss Grace King, Branch 
M. King, Dr. L. G. Le Beuf, Henry Renshaw, T. P. Thompson, 
Hon. Paul Capdevielle, Bernard McCloskey, Charles T. Soniat, 
Thos. McC. Hvman, Judge Charles E. Fenner, Page M. Baker, 
General Adolph Meyer, W. O. Hart, Col. J. D. Hill, H. F. Bald- 
win, W. J. Waguespack, Rev. H. S. Maring, S. J., Colonel Arsene 
Perilliat, Walter D. Denegre. 

Sub-Committees. 

Military Review — Colonel Arsene Perilliat, Chairman ; T. 
McC. Hyman, James S. Zacharie. 


4 


Naval Parade — Col. Branch M. King, Chairman; Bernard Mc- 
Closkey, Henry McCall. 

Operatic Performance — Charles T. Soniat, Chairman ; Arsene 
Perilliat, Btissiere Rouen. 

Historical Exhibit — Caspar Cusachs, Chairman ; Miss Grace 
King, Henry Renshaw, J. R. Ficklen, T. P. Thompson and Albert 
C. Phelps. 

Finance — T. P. Thompson, Chairman ; Dr. L. G. Le Beuf, 
W. O. Hart, Garland Dupre and Hart Newman. 

Cabildo Committee — Prof. Alcee Fortier, Chairman ; C. F. 
Claiborne, Charles T. Soniat and James S. Zacharie. 

Invitation — James S. Zacharie, Chairman; Miss Grace King 
and Joseph A. Breaux. 

Pontifical High Mass — Rev. H. S. Maring, Chairman; W. J. 
Waguespack, Henry Renshaw and Felix J. Puig. 

Press Committee — J. J. McFoughlin, Chairman ; Colonel J. D. 
Hill and T. P. Thompson. 

Transportation — J. J. McFoughlin, Chairman; James S. Zach- 
arie. 

Commemorative Medal — James S. Zacharie, Miss Grace King 
and Miss Jennie Wilde. 

Reception Committee — Colonel J. D. Hill, Chairman ; P. M. 
Westfeldt, William Beer, Geo. H. Kernion, J. P. Baldwin, J. 
Zach Spearing and Victor Feovy. 

The Executive Committee was composed of Prof. Alcee For- 
tier, Chairman, and the Chairmen of the various committees. 

* ^ • 

THE THREE DAYS' PROGRAMME. 

FIRST DAY. FRIDAY, DEC. i8, 1903. 

1 P. M. — International naval review by the Governor of Lou- 
isiana on the United States gunboat Stranger, of the Louisiana 
Naval Reserves, and salute by the fleet. Visiting men-of-war: 
French cruiser Jurien de la Graviere, Spanish cruiser Rio de la 
Plata, United States cruiser Minneapolis, United States gunboat 
Topeka, United States cruiser Yankee and the United States 
trainingship Hartford. 

The Governor's flagship will be the United States steamer 
Stranger, under command of Captain J. W. Bostick. The Gov- 
ernor and his party will board the Stranger at the foot of Canal 
street at noon. The Stranger will then steam down the river, 
going to a convenient distance, possibly as far as the naval docks 
or the barracks. It will then return and at 1 o'clock will be 
abreast of the first ship of the fleet, which will anchor in a line 
in the center of the river. As the Governor's flagship passes 
slowly along the line it will be saluted with seventeen guns by 
the senior officer of each nationality, the Governor's ship return- 
ing the salute, and the band on board the Governor's ship playing 
the national air of the ship opposite which it happens to be. This 
review will be concluded at about 1 130 p. m. From 1 130 to 2 130 


5 


the Governors ship will take a run up the river, the Governor 
entertaining his guests with refreshments on board the Stranger. 
At 2 130 p. m. the Stranger will anchor abreast of the line of war- 
ships, when the commanders of the various warships will call 
officially on the Governor, they being entertained by the Governor 
and refreshments provided. At the conclusion of these calls the 
Governor will board the launch of the Commandant of the Naval 
Station, with some of his staff, and will return the calls that have 


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been made upon him. This will probably take until 5 ’.30 or 6 130 
in the evening > when the party will return to the foot of Canal 
street. The Governor is to be accompanied by his staff on board of 
the flagship, and his staff will meet him at 11:30 a. m. at such 
point as he will designate. One or more boats will be provided 
which will follow his flagship during the review and carry the 
overflow of guests from the Stranger. These auxiliary boats are 
to be placed in charge of some of the Govemoffs staff, and the 


6 


Committee of the Louisiana Historical Society, who will have 
charge of entertaining the guests on board of these auxiliary ves- 
sels. 

8:30 P. M. — Reception of distinguished guests by Historical 
Ball Reception Committee at the French Opera House. 

9 P. M. — Opening of the Historical ball ; subscription ball 
given by the ladies of the Historical Society, by special invita- 
tion and admit cards ; minuet and gavotte dances. 



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THE HISTORICAL BALL. 

Centennial Celebration of the Transfer of Louisiana, at 
the Lrench Opera House, Lriday, Dec. 18, 1903. 

COMMITTEE ON RECEPTION AND SEATING GUESTS. 

Charles F. Claiborne, Vice-Chairman ; G. P. Agar, G. W. 
Dupre, H. G. Morgan, Jr., H. D. Bruns, H. J. de la Vergne, C. 
P. Fenner, Robt. Parker, Ernest Yillere, G. O. Whitney, J. W. 
Castles, Justice O. O. Provosty, Justice F. A. Monroe, George 
Denegre, Warren Kearney, Omer Yillere, Dr. A. W. de Roaldes, 
Jas. Miltenberger, C. M. Whitney, F. J. Gasquet, J. P. Block,. 
Leon Yillere, I. Delgado, N. T. Harris, Dr. Charles Chassaignac, 
J. P. Blair, F. W. Parham, B. K. Miller, Maurice Brierre, B. F.. 
Eshleman, Jules Denis, Chas. Carroll. 

FOYER COMMITTEE. 

Judge C. E. Fenner, Chairman; Win. C. C. Claiborne, Theo- 
dore S. Wilkinson, Dr. Clem. Wilkinson, Wm. Agar, Dr. 
E. A. Alderman, Justice Jos. A. Breaux, Judge R. T. 
Beauregard, Henry T. Beauregard, Caspar Cusachs, H. J. 
de la Vergne, H. G. Dupre, E. H. Farrar, Prof. J. 
R. Ficklen, Prof. Alcee Fortier, Charles G. Gill, Tiros. McC. Hy- 
• man, A. E. Livaudais, E. T. Merrick, J. D. Hill, W. W. Howe, 
Arsene Perilliat, Justice F. T. Nicholls, C. F. Low, I. L. Lyons, 
J. McConnell, Jr., Henry YIcCall, Felix Puig, John P. Pem- 
berton, Henry Renshaw, Dr. E. Souchon, Gourdain Smith, R. M. 
Walmsley, Morgan Whitney, P. M. Westfeldt, James S. Zach- 
arie, J. P. Baldwin, Hy. F. Baldwin, Justice N. C. Blanchard, 
Dr. E. S. Lewis, Dr. L. G. Le Beuf, J. W. Cruzat. 

FLOOR COMMITTEE. 

Walter D. Denegre, Chairman ; Dr. H. Qrr, Edmund Glenny, 
Thos. Sloo, Hawkins Norton, Jules Wogan, Hunt Henderson, 
Leigh Carroll, Sidney White, Fred Joubert, Gustave Olivier, Mor- 
gan Whitney, Ernest Miltenberger, D. P. Moss, Geo. Lapeyre, 
Louis Burthe, Edmund Richardson, Judge R. T. Beauregard, H. 
Farwell, C. B. Maginnis, Wm. J. Montgomery, H. Labouisse, 
St. Denis Yillere, S. P. Walmsley, John May, J. Watts Kear- 
ney. 

MUSICAL PROGRAMME. 

Arranged by Prof. George L. O’Connell. 
INTRODUCTORY. 

Leader of Orchestra, Prof. George L. 0 ’Conne:l. 

CONCERT. 

1. “Caliph of Bagdad,” overture, (1800), Boieldieu. 

2. “Andante," Surprise Symphony (1772), Haydn. 


8 


3. “Airs a Danser," (a) “Les Fetes d’Hebe,” Tambourin, 
j( i 73 9), Rameau, (b) “Armide,” gavotte, (1777), Gluck, (c) 
“C'olinette a la Cour," Gigue, (1782), Gretry. 

4. “Adagio,'* sonate pathetique, (1799), Beethoven. 

5. “La Chasse du Jeune Henri," overture, (1802), Mehul. 

BALL. 

1. “Priest March," “Magic Flute," (1791), Mozart. 

2. “Au Clair de la Lime," (1674), Lully. 

3. “Don Juan," minuet, (1787), Mozart. 

4. “Cadet Roussel," popular melody, (1792). 

5. Gavotte, “La Fete au Village," (1778), Gossec. 

6. “West le Roi Dagobert,” popular melody. 

7. Lancers, “Hunters’ Joy," Tobani. 

8. Waltz, “Espana," Chabrier. 

9. Promenade, “Creoleries." Old time melodies arranged by 
Prof. George L. O’Connell, (a) “PoC Piti Mamzel Zizi," of 
which there is a transcription bv Gottschalk, of New Orleans, 
“La SavaneA (b) “Mo Laimin Toi, Cher’ Com' Cochon laimin 
la Bou,” an old Creole song, (c) “Zozo Mokeur,” descriptive 
song, words by Chatah-Imah, (Abbe Rouquette) ; music by W. 
T. Francis; sung by Mrs. Pemberton-Hincks. (d) “Danse Cal- 
inda Boudoum ! Boudoum !" old Creole song, (e) “Kan Patat, 
la Tchuite Ma Mange Li," of which there is a transcription by 
•Gottschalk, “La Bamboula." (f) “Cher Mo Laimin Toi,” old 
Creole song, (g 1 ) “Yiolette Embaumee," song by Eugene Chas- 
saignac, of New Orleans, (h) “Listen to the Mocking Bird,” 
typical song, (i) “Le Reveil de la Louisiane," patriotic song, 
words by L. Placide Canonge, music by G. Curto. (j) Finale: 
Four bars of a Spanish air, “Del Riego," hymn ; four bars of 
French air, “La Marseillaise;” four bars of American air, “The 
Star-Spangled Banner.” 

DANCES AND PROMENADES. 

1. Two-Step, “Louisiana Centennial,” Miss Emma Hincks. 

2. Waltz, “Blue Danube," Strauss. 

3. Promenade, “Amaryllis,” air “Louis XV # ” Ghys. 

4. Waltz, “My Lady Love," Rosey. 

5. Promenade, “Last Hope,”' (meditation poletique) Gotts- 
chalk, of New Orleans. 

6. Waltz, “Amoureuse," Gerger. 

7. Promenade, “Passe-Pied," (air de Danse) Gallet. 

8. Waltz, “Love’s Treasurers,” Waldteufel. 

9. Promenade, “The Musketeers,” Varney, of New Orleans. 

10. Two-Step, “The Jolly General,” Moret. 

11. Promenade, “Chocone,” Durand. 

12. Waltz, “Impassioned Dreams,” Roca. 

13. Promenade, “Gretna Green,” (scene de ballet) by Guir- 
aud, of New Orleans. 


9 


14- Two-Step, “Thunder and Blazes/ 7 Fusick. 

15. Promenade, “Colombine,” (minuet) Dalahaye. 

16. Two-Step, “On the Levee/ 7 Hall. 

17. Two-Step, “Stars and Stripes, Forever,” Sousa. 

SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 1903. 

10 130 a. m. — Reception by the Mayor, City Council and execu- 
tive officers, of the Governor and distinguished guests in the 
MayoFs parlor, City Hall. 

11 a. m. — Departure of the Mayor, City Council, executive 
officers and distinguished guests in carriages, with escort of 
First Troop of Cavalry, Captain C. Robert Churchill command- 
ing; arrival at the Archbishop's old palace, Chartres and L T rsu- 
lines Streets, and reception by the Museum Committee. 

11:30 a. m. — Opening of the Historical Museum by President 
Alcee Fortier, President of the Louisiana Historical Society. Ad- 
dresses to be delivered from the lower porch by President Fortier 
and Governor Heard, who will formally declare the museum 
open. If the weather is inclement the exercises will take place 
in the hall on the lower floor. 

PROGRAMME OF CEREMONIES. 

Music. 

Mayor of New Orleans to preside and explain the object of 
the meeting and introduce President Alcee Fortier. 

Historical address by President Fortier. 

Music. 

Declaration of opening of the Historical Museum by His Excel- 
lency the Governor of Louisiana. 

Music. 

Progress of the Governor, officials and distinguished guests 
through the Historical Museum, escorted by the Museum Com- 
mittee. 

12:3 * p. m. — Departure of cortege for Jackson Square. 

1 p. xj — C ommemorative meeting in front of the Cabildo, if 
the weatffir is propitious, or in the Supreme Court room if the 
weather is inclement. Admission by card or badge to the plat- 
form. If the meeting takes place in the Supreme Court room 
the admission will be limited. Chairman Zacharie, of the 
Cabildo Committee, will attend to the seating of guests on the 
platform, the reception and departure of the officials and dis- 
tinguished guests. 

PROGRAMME OF THE COMMEMORATIVE MEETING. 

Music, “Washington Post/ 7 

His Excellency Governor W. W. Heard, presiding. 

Address by the Governor, who will introduce the speakers. 

Music, “Star-Spangled Banner.” 


10 


Address of His Excellency M. Jusserand, Ambassador of the 
French Republic. 

Music, “La Marseillaise." 

Address of the representative of Spain, Hon. Tuero y O'Don- 
nel, Spanish Consul at New Orleans. 

Music, “Marcha Real." 

Address of Admiral Wise, representative of the United States. 

Music, “Red, White and Blue." 

Address of Ex-Governor D. R. Francis, of Missouri, President 
of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis. 

Music, “Hail Columbia." 

Luncheon in justices' consultation room, if the meeting- closes 
at 2:30 p. m. ; if not, then after the review the lunch will be 
served. 

3 p. m. — Review of troops by His Excellency the Governor 
from the platform. Positions on the platform ; President For- 
tier, Ex-Governor Francis, Spanish representative, Governor 
Heard, French Ambassador, United States representative and the 
Mayor, visiting Governors and staffs, State and city officials. 

7:45 p. m. — Gala performance at the French Opera House. 
Tickets to be procured at the box office on payment of announced 
prices. Thirty boxes reserved for distinguished guests, who will 
be seated bv the Opera House Committee and escorted by the 
same Committee on their departure. 

8 p. m. — Presentation of the opera “Carmen," of Bizet. 

THE GALA PERFORMANCE. 

French Opera House, F. Charley, Manager. 

Grand Gala Performance Commemorative of the Louisiana 
Transfer Centennial, Saturday, Dec. 19, 1903, 

at 8 p. m. 

“CARMEN." 

Opera in four acts ; music by Bizet ; words by Meilhac and 
Halevv ; under the leadership of Monsieur A. Lagye, with the 
assistance of Mines. Bressler-Gianoli, Duperret and Mikaelly ; 
M.M. Mikaellv, Monfort and Labriet. 

CAST. 


Don Jose M. Mikaelly 

Eseamillo M. Montfort 

Zuniga M. Labriet 

Doncaire M. Montclair 

Remen dado M. Leroux 

Morales M. Launay 

Carmen Mme. Bressler-Gianoli 

Micaela Mme. Duperret-Mikaellv 

Erasquita Mme. Dartes 

Mercedes Mme. Dementhe 


11 


Dragoons, torreadors, contrebandiers, cigarieres. In the second 
and fourth acts “Grand Ballet/’ directed by M. G. Cammazano, 
Ballet Master, by Miss E. Staats and the ballet corps. Allego- 
rical tableau, apotheosis. 

SUNDAY, DEC. 20, 1903. 

At 9:45 a. m. — Pontifical high mass and “Te Deum” at the 
St. Louis Cathedral. Doors open at 9 a. m. Admission by 
card. 

Official and distinguished guests will be admitted and seated 
by the Cathedral Committee. His Excellency, Archbishop 
Chapelle, will officiate. 

The Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Theresa Can- 
non Buckley, organist, will be assisted on this great occasion by 
the Jesuits' Choir, by some of the principal artists of the French 
Opera, and by the best local talent. There will be an orchestra, 
composed of musicians of the French Opera Orchestra, directed 
by M. Mona. 

MUSICAL PROGRAMME. 


Processional — “Hallelujah/' solo and chorus of Hummel. Solo 
by Miss Corinne Bailey. 

“Kyrie,” from Cimarosa's Military Mass, solos by Cathedral 
Quartette. 

“Gloria” Cimarosa. 

“Credo,” from Gounod's “St. Cecila Mass,” solos by Jesuit 
Church Ouartette. 

Offertory — k ‘Fac ut Portam," by Rossini, sung by Mme. Bress- 
ler-Gianoli, contralto of the French Opera. 

“Sanctus,” Gounod's “St. Cecilia,” “Agnus Dei,” by Bizet, 
soprano solo, sung by Mme. Packbiers, chanteuse legere of the 
French Opera troupe, with harp accompaniment by Miss Helen 
Pitkin, and cello by Mr. Mona. 

“Te Deum,” sung by the clergy in the sanctuary, and thirty 
male voices in the choir. 

Recessional, grand chorus, from Gounod's “Redemption.” 


CATHEDRAL CHOIR. 

Sopranos — Mrs. Harrison-Delery, Misses E. Doussan, O. Ney- 
rey, A. Nores, S. Daboval, O. Engleman, G. Betat, J. Cusimano, 
E. Burthe, E, Fournier, N. Schneidau, M. Pemberton, E. Curien, 
L. Domecq, E, Flessig, G. Taylor, N. Ugland, L. Asbury, L. 
Huntha. 

Altos — Mrs. E. Lejeune, Mrs. B. Boisfontaine, Mrs. E. May, 
Mrs. N. Aliphat, Mrs. L. Garvey, Mrs. L. Ratto, Mrs. A. Willoz. 

Tenors — Messrs A. H. Kernion, T. C. Viavant, J. H. Des- 
mares, O. Winder, W. B. Slade, H. Renaud. 

Bassos — Messrs. L. J. Doize, W. J. Zimmerman, J. Fontana, 
L. Burthe, A. Boisblanc, W. Tusson. 


12 


The choir will be assisted by Misses Corinne Bailey, Helen Pit- 
kin, Regina Fremaux, Berthe Olivier, L. Olivier; Mrs. Q; 
Kohnke, Mines. M. McDonnell, K. McCormack, B. Cooper, A. 
Cooper, D. Gautreaux ; Messrs. L. Ricau, G. Ricau ; Gauthier, of 
the French Opera; E. Carley, and the Jesuits' Choir, as follows: 
Miss Carmine Allen, Airs. M. J. Allison, Miss Esther Bache, 
Mrs. D. J. Bowles, Aliss Clementine Crump, Aimee David, Rene 
David, Aliss May Deltry, Mrs. A. C. Exnicios, Mrs. F. C. Font, 
Miss Regina Glenn, Aliss Nina Hogan, Aliss Felicie Hardel, 
Airs. L. D. Harrison, Miss Myra Jones, Mrs. R. M. Jones, Miss 
Hortense Kilshaw, Aliss Valentine Kilshaw, Aliss Ruby Norich, 
Aliss Florence O'Donnell, Miss Julia Wogan, Miss Reinecke ; 
Alessrs. Chas. J. Babst, S. J. Bowles, J. J. Crozier, Jr., Joseph 
Hote, R. M. Jones, Alfred Miester, E. A. O'Sullivan, Alb. Por- 
tilla, John K. Segrave, C. L. Sully, John C. White, F. C. Font. 

RECEPTION COMMITTEE AT THE CATHEDRAL. 

W. J. Waguespack, Chairman; Judge Jos. A. Breaux, 
Judge Geo. H. Theard, W. J. Behan, Charles F. Clai- 
borne, William Alehle, Patrick AlcGrath, John Dymond, 

H. Garland Dupre, Arsene Perilliat, J. B. Sinnott, W. 
H. Seymour, Dr. Edwin A. Alderman, Isaac M. Cline, 
Lawrence Fabacher, Dr. Felix Gaudin, T. P. Thomp- 
son, Dr. O. Kohnke, John B. Fisher, Dr. T. J. Dimitry, Felix J. 
Puig, Joseph Garcia, J. J. McLoughlin, Dr. Paul de Verges, 
Thos. G. Rapier, Prof. John R. Ficklen, Dr. E. D. Martin, 
J. B. Levert, Dr. T. S. Dabney, John T. Gibbons, Dr. A. E. Fos- 
sil*, John Dymond, Jr., J. P. Baldwin, George W. Young, E. T. 
Alanning, Bussiere Rouen, Andre Lafargue, Chas. I. Denechaud, 
W. A. Kernaghan, Peter E. Pescud, Pierre D. Olivier, Joseph 
P. Bucklev, Leonard Robin, Sidney Storv, J. Z. Spearing, John 
W. Phillips, F. E. Bernard, P. M. Westfeldt, Chas. G. Gill, 
Andrew Fitzpatrick, J. F. Couret, Geo. C. H. Kernion, H. S. 
Crozier, F. H. Mortimer, Dr. M. C. Brady, M. H. Manion, Jules 
A. Gauche, R. T. Beauregard, Chas. T. Soniat, Walter D. 
Denegre, Henry AlcCall, E. A. O'Sullivan, John Fitzpatrick, 
A. E. Morphy, James D. Hill, Judge Frank McGloin, Judge P. 
F. Hennessey, Prof. M. A. Aldrich, Prof. B. V. B. Dixon, Dr. 
C. M. Menville, Edgar H. Farrar, Dr. Wm. Scheppegrell, Henry 
Rens'haw, Dr. J. J. Archinard, J. P. Blair, Dr. L. G. LeBeuf, J. 
S. Zacharie, Bernard AleCloskey, Espy Williams, Samuel W. 
Weis, Dr. J. N. Roussel, James M. Augustin, J. Henry Lafaye, 
Victor Wogan, James Thibaut, H. F. Baldwin, Bernard Bruenn, 

A. F. Livaudais, W. O. Hart, Frank H. Waddill, H. J. de la 
Vergne, Henry M. Gill, Rixford J. Lincoln, Horatio Lange, 
Benj. Crump, John A. Grehan, E. C. Day, Allison Owens, J. E. 
Burguicres, John P. Pemberton, I. L. Lyons, T. S. AlcLaughlin, 
W. L. Hughes, P. Percy Viosca, Hugh AleCloskey, Clarence F. 
Low, Lucien Soniat, Henry McLaughlin, J. Creighton Mathews, 

B. Winchester Bowling, Jas. J. LeGardeur, Judge John St. Paul, 


13 


Judge O. O. Provosty, Clias. A. Fricke, Thomas G. Rapier, Jr.,. 
Drury J. Tallant, Maurice Baudier, P. S. Augustin, R. T. Killelea.. 

At 11:50 a. m. — Closing of ceremonies of the mass. 

CENTENNIAL CEREMONIES. 

The official and distinguished guests will assemble under the 
arcade of the Cabildo, and will be received by the Cabildo Com- 
mittee in the sala capitular, (Supreme Court Room) and seated. 

ON THE SUPREME COURT BENCH. 

The Mayor, Governor Francis, the Spanish representative, 
Governor Heard, the French Ambassador, the representative of 
the United States, visiting Governors and Justices, will be seated. 

At 12 M. — Signal gun announcing the departure from the' 
corner of Decatur and St. Peter, of Messrs. Charles F. Claiborne 
and Theodore S. Wilkinson, whose grandfathers were the Ameri- 
can Commissioners at the transfer in 1803. They will be ac- 
companied by Hon. Jas. S. Zacharie, representing their Secre- 
tary, Wadsworth. They will be escorted by the Continental 
Guards, (with band of music) representing the United States 
Army in 1803, and will proceed to the Cabildo. 

At 12 :o5 P. M. — Reception of the representatives of the 
American Commissioners at the head of the stairs, by the Mayor 
and City Council, and President Alcee Fortier, representing the 
French Commissioner, Laussat, Colonel Prefect. 

Positions in the rear of the table used by members of the Bar : 
Commissioner Wilkinson, represented by Mr. Theodore S. Wil- 
kinson; Commissioner Laussat, represented by President Fortier; 
Commissioner Claiborne, represented by Hon. Charles F. 
Claiborne ; Secretary Daugerot, represented by Hon. Clias. T. 
Soniat; Secretary Wadsworth, represented by Hon. Jas. S. Zach- 
arie. 

The Governor of Louisiana will preside, and explain the object 
of the meeting, which is to be a repetition of the ceremony of the 
transfer of 1803. 

Commissioner Laussat announces in French the object of the 
meeting. 

The French Secretary reads in English the ‘‘Treaty of Ces- 
sion.^ 

Secretary Daugerot reads in French the powers of Laussat to 
receive Louisiana from Spain. 

American Secretary reads in English the powers of the Ameri- 
can Commissioners. 

The French Secretary reads in English the powers of Laussat 
to deliver Louisiana to the United States. 

Declaration of Commissioner Laussat putting the Americam 
Commissioners in possession. 

All standing during this declaration, and at the close they take- 
their seats. 


14 


Delivery, by Commissioner Laussat, of the keys of the city 
of New Orleans. 

Commissioner Laussat, in French, releases Louisiana from the 
oath of allegiance to France. 

The American Secretary reads the process verbal in English. 

Address of Governor Claiborne read by Hon. Charles F. Clai- 
borne. 

Announcement, by Governor Heard, of the termination of the 
repetition of the ceremonies of 1803. In order to commemorate 
this centennial anniversary a process verbal will be signed. 

Distribution of medals to distinguished guests. 

Then, proceeding down to the St. Peter Street side of the room, 
conducted by the Cabildo Reception Committee, the Governor 
and guests, and the officials, etc., will go to the central balcony. 

Position on balcony : 

Mavor and Governor. 

The Governor of Louisiana will make an appropriate address. 

The Mayor will also speak, and with the reading of Governor 
Claiborne's proclamation of 1803, the ceremonies will end. 

At a signal the American Flag will be hoisted in Jackson 
Square; the Cathedral bells will ring, and the Washington Artil- 
lery will fire a salute from the levee, which will be responded to 
by the men-of-war, and the troops will present arms. 

LOUISIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING ON 
THE EVE OF THE CELEBRATION. 

PROCEEDINGS OF WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER, 16, 1903. 

The Louisiana Historical Society held one of the largest meet- 
ings on Wednesday, December 16, 1903, in the Fisk Library, that 
it has ever held in years. Badges and cards were distributed 
among the members. 

That formality was performed by Hon. J. S. Zacharie, Chair- 
man of the Committee on Resolutions and Programme. 

Letters expressing regret at inability to come to the celebra- 
tion were read from the following distinguished people : Hon. 

John Hay, Secretary of State; Hon. Adelard Turgeon, of Que- 
bec ; from the Commodore of the German squadron regretting 
earnestly that the present duties of the squadron prevent him 
and his staff officers from coming. However, the Yineta will 
be here in January. From M. Matthieu, Rector of the University 
at Quebec, regretting he cannot attend, and from Theodore Har- 
dee, Assistant to the Secretary of the Louisiana Purchase Expo- 
sition, St. Louis, accepting the invitation. Also from Colonel 
Hardee, of the Mississippi First Regiment of Infantry, acknowledg- 
ing the receipt of the invitation, which was referred to- the of- 
ficers. 

A telegram was received from Mr. E. A. Pike, Private Secre- 
tary to the Governor, stating that the President had designated 


15 


Admiral Wise, commanding the United States squadron, to rep- 
resent the Government of the United States at the Centennial 
Celebration. 

Hon. Theodore S. Wilkinson, who will represent at the com- 
memoration his grandfather, General Wilkinson, Commander of 
the American troops at the transfer in 1803, was elected a mem- 
ber of the Louisiana Historical Society at the suggestion of 
President Fortier and on motion of Hon. Charles T. Soniat, who 
had previously moved reconsideration of the vote whereby no 
more members were to be elected until after the January meeting. 
This was done as an exception and a compliment to Mr. Wil- 
kinson. 

Contract with the excursion steamboat J. S. was approved by 
the Society. She will be the official boat of the Society for the 
naval review on Friday. The members will have the exclusive 

•z 1 

use of the upper deck, the rest of the boat to be open to guests. 
The Captain of the J. S. is to have privilege of selling excursion 
tickets for his own account. The boat to be at the disposal of the 
Society from 12 o'clock noon until after the conclusion of the 
review. 

It was decided that only those wearing the badges of the So- 
ciety will be admitted to the upper deck. Each member may 
bring not more than three friends, and they will be provided with 
suitable badges. 

The Collector of the Port requests that masters of steam vessels 
keep clear of that stretch of river between the first ship of the 
line of men-of-war and the last, between 12:30 a. m. and 1 150 p. 
m., so as to keep clear the course to be followed by the United 
States steamer Stranger, the reviewing vessel. 

The following Committee on Reception at the boat was ap- 
pointed : J. J. McLoughlin, Chairman ; James M. Augustin, H. J. 
de la Vergne, Geo. H. Kernion, Conrad Collins, J. S. Tassin, W. 
IT. Seymour, T. P. Thompson, Dr. L. G. Le Beuf, W. J. Wagues- 
pack, H. M. Gill, Charles T. Soniat, Lucien Soniat, Pierre Cra- 
bites, Rev. H. S. Maring, W. O. Hart, Sam Weis, Judge R. T. 
Beauregard, Dr. T. S. Dabney, Frank E. Bernard. 

The General Committee on Celebration met after adjournment 
of the Society and received reports of committees, which showed 
that all preparations were well in hand. 

Mrs. J. A. Hincks, Mrs. L. Augustin Fortier, Mrs. D. A. S. 
Vaught, Mr. John P. Pemberton, Mr. Thomas McC. Hyman and 
Mr. Felix Puig were appointed a committee to provide a lunch 
for members of the American Historical Association and the 
American Economic Assocation, which will meet here on Dec. 28. 

Colonel J. D. Hill, Hon. Paul Capdevielle and John S. Tassin 
were appointed a committee to draft resolutions of sympathy 
and condolence to Miss Grace King, Secretary of the Society, 
on the death of her mother. 

James M. Augustin was elected a member of the Press Com- 


16 


mittee with full power to act relative to providing facilities for 
the newspapermen detailed to report the celebration. 

Prof. Fortier submitted the following: 

New Orleans, Dec. 14, 1903. 

It has been suggested that, as the centennial celebration of the 
transfer of Louisiana to the United States by France is a great 
historical event in Louisiana, and the Governor and Mavor hav- 
ing issued proclamations recommending the celebration, it should 
be commemorated by appropriate patriotic exercises in the public 
and private colleges and schools. 

The international naval review takes place Friday, Dec. 18, at 
1 p. m., and on Saturday, the 19th, the commemorative meeting 
and the military parade will be held. As the colleges and schools 
have different days of -holiday, it has been suggested that they 
each select a day for the historical exercises as their authorities 
may determine, without interfering with the centennial cere- 
monies. 

To provide data for the exercises, I have the honor to send 
you the proclamations of the Governor and of the Mayor and 
copies of historical documents. The reading and explanation of 
them will be instructive, and will awaken the pride and interest 
of all Louisianians in the history of the State. 

. The same documents have been sent to the authorities of each 
parish of the State for commemorative meetings, and- on the 
last page is a process verbal, which, with slight alterations of 
date,, localities, etc., will be a record for the authorities of each 
college or school to sign and preserve in their archives. I am, 
very respectfully, 

Alcee Fortier, President. 

THE OFFICIAL ORDER. 

Calling Out the Troops for the Celebration. 
Hdqrs. Louisiana State National Guard, First Military District. 

New Orleans, Dec. 16, 1903. 

General Orders No. 8. 

In obedience to orders from the Adjutant General the troops 
of the First Military District and other State troops reporting 
for duty will be paraded for review at 3 o’clock p. m., by His 
Excellency, the Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Saturday, 
Dec. 19, in celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Loui- 
siana purchase. 

As the occasion will be further honored by the presence in the 
port of New Orleans of vessels of the United States Navy and 
that of France and Spain, proper position in line will be assigned 
the marines and sailors of the visiting vessels who may report 
for participation in the parade and review. 

Captain John W. Bostick, commanding the Naval Brigade, 
will provide escort at landing points to direct contingents from 
the vessels to their position in formation. 

The United States troops, marines and sailors will form on 


17 


Canal Street, right at Tchoupitoulas Street, extending west, at 2 
o'clock, in the following order : 

Fourth and Ninety-first Companies, Coast Artillery, Captain 
Willard D. Newbill, commanding. 

Marines and sailors from squadron United States Navy in 
port. 

Marines and sailors from the French and Spanish cruisers in 
port. 

The State troops and Cadet Corps will form on Canal Street, 
right at Chartres Street, extending east, in the following order : 

Naval Brigade, Captain John W. Bostick. 

Battalion Washington Artillery, Lieutenant Colonel John B. 
Richardson. 

Battalion Louisiana Field Artillery, Lieutenant Colonel John 
P. Sullivan. 

Second Separate Company Infantry, Captain Joseph Kantz. 

Signal Corps, Captain J. Henry Warner. 

Companies of the First Battalion Infantry. 

University and College Cadets, 

First Troop Cavalry, Captain C. Robert Churchill. 

The columns will move at 2 145 p. m., passing in review before 
His Excellency, the Governor, who will take post on Chartres 
Street, near St. Peter Street. 

The march will be continued down Chartres Street to Espla- 
nade Avenue, to Rampart Avenue, to Canal, to Decatur Street, 
where the parade will terminate. 

By command of 

Major General John Glynn, Jr. 

E. C. Fenner, Col. A. A. G. 

CENTENNIAL PROCLAMATIONS. 

By the Governor of Louisiana. 

Baton Rouge, La., Dec. 11, 1903. 

(, To the People of Louisiana : One hundred years ago the vast 

domain called Louisiana, extending from the shores of the Gulf 
of Mexico to the sources of the rivers that flow eastward from 
the Rocky Mountains, was acquired by the L T nited States from 
France. By the Treaty of Paris of April 30, 1803, over 1,000,- 
000 square miles of territory were thus added to our country, and 
from this old Louisiana, the mother of many States, have been 
created twelve States and two Territories, which to-day have a 
population of more than 15,000,000. The free navigation of the 
Mississippi was thus forever secured to America and an outlet to 
the sea was obtained for the products of its great and fertile valley. 

“This vast empire, embacing nearly one-third of the area of 
the United States, and developed by American genius and in- 
dustry into one of the happiest and richest regions of the world, 
was transferred to the L T nited States on December 20, 1803, in the 
old Cabildo, in the city of New Orleans. 


18 


“To commemorate the centennial of this great historical event 

o 

with appropriate ceremonies, the Legislature adopted Act No. 14, 
of 1900, directing the Louisiana Historictl Society to prepare a 
suitable programme, and it becomes my duty, as chief Executive, 
to make this proclamation, recommending our citizens to make a 
proper observance of this centennial event. 

“Wherefore, I, William Wright Heard, Governor of Louisiana, 
considering the importance of this anniversary in the history of 
this State, do issue this proclamation that the centennial anniver- 
sary ceremonies of the transfer of Louisiana from France to the 
United States will take place in the city of New Orleans on Dec. 
18, 19 and 20, 1903. 

“And, further, in order that observance of the centennial anni- 
versary which appeals to all patriotic Louisianians, shall be general 
throughout the State, I invite the citizens of each parish to assem- 
ble at their respective courthouses on Saturday, Dec. 19, 1903, 
and commemorate the centennial anniversary with appropriate 
ceremonies and by hoisting the American 11 a g. 

“Grateful to God for the many blessings conferred on the in- 
habitants of Louisiana during the last 100 years, and to render 
thanks for the great prosperity vouchsafed to us, I earnestly- ask 
our citizens to unite in their various places of worship on the 
Centennial Day, Sunday, Dec, 20, 1903, and offer up thanks to 
God for the great blessings conferred on us, and pray that he may 
forever bless us and our beloved commonwealth. 

“Given under my signature and the great seal of the State at 
the Capitol, in the city of Baton Rouge, on this (the nth) day of 
December, A. D. 1903. 

W. W. Heard, Governor. 

“By the Governor: 

“John T. Michel, Secretary of State/' 

By the Mayor of New Orleans. 


New Orleans, La., December 15, 1903. 

“To the Citizens of New Orleans: 

“The Celebration of the Centennial of the Anniversary of the 
Transfer of Louisiana to the United States, in pursuance of an 
appropriation in aid thereof by the City Council o‘f New Orleans, 
being about to take place in this city on the 18th, 19th and 20th 
of December, in the year of our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and 
Three, under the auspices of the Historical Society of the State 
of Louisiana, and in the presence of the Governor of the State, 
and of other public officials, of officers of the Army, and officers 
of the Navy of the United States, in command of a fleet of ships 
of war, assembled in honor of this great public transaction, and 
the expected attendance upon the occasion of distinguished 
strangers and of representatives of foreign nations, and especially 
of French and of Spanish officers commanding ships of war of 
the respective countries, render it appropriate for me to issue this, 


19 


my Proclamation, as Mayor of New Orleans, in memory of so 
solemn an event, and in order that the celebration in view may be 
general, to request that on Friday, Dec. 18th, the public and 
private schools be closed at 12 o'clock, and on Saturday, the 19th 
of December, the whole day, and that the citizens of New Orleans 
exhibit their sympathy with the exercises which have been pro- 
vided for, by attending upon them so far as practicable and by dis> 
playing from their dwellings and other buildings the national 
colors. 

“On Dec. 20th, A. D. 1803, the tricolored flag of France was 
displayed for the last time at sunrise on the Place d'Armes, now 
called Jackson Square, which faces the ancient buildings where 
the Cabildo held its session. 

“The French flag made room for the Stars and S trines under 
repeated peals of musketry and artillery. The territory thus ac- 
quired included Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, the Indian 
Territory, Oklahoma, Nebraska, North Dakota, a great part of 
Minnesota, Montana, Colorado', Wyoming and Kansas. The 
Oregon Territory, occupied by the United States, and claimed 
as part of the Louisiana purchase, and later, in 1818 up to 1846, 
held in joint occupancy with Great Britain, was afterwards, in 1846, 
bv treaty with Great Britain, recognized to belong to the United 
Sattes, and included the States of Oregon, Washington and Idaho, 
The treaty under which the transfer was effected was concluded 
at Paris, on the 30th of April, A. D. 1803, as the result of the 
labors of Robert R. Livingston, the American plenipotentiary ; 
Mr. Monroe arrived in time to co-operate with him in fixing the 
price at the sum of fifteen million dollars, for which Napoleon 
Bonaparte ceded, in the name of the French Republic, forever and 
in full sovereignty the Province of Louisiana to the United States. 

“There is not, it is justly claimed, fellow-citizens, at the present 
time, too years after the purchase, treasure enough among the 
nations of the earth to buy this territory, nor could the combined 
armies and navies of the world wrest it by conquest from the 
Linked States. 

“Paul Caepdevielle, 
‘‘Mayor of New Orleans/* 

PIISTORY OF THE LOUISIANA HISTORICAL SO- 
CIETY. 

The Louisiana Historical Society was established 011 Jan. 15, 
1836, and its first President was Judge Henry A. Bullard. The 
secretaries were Mr. Harrison and Mr. Louis Janin ; and among 
the officers were: Porter, Martin, Roman, Canonge and Bar- 
ton. Among the members were : Gray, Clapp, Eustis, Me- 

Caleb, Ingalls, Winthrop, Rost, Watts, Deblieux and Leonard. 

In 1846 the Society was reorganized by the following gentle- 
men : John Perkins, J. D. B. DeBow, Edmund J. Forstall, 

Charles Gavarre, General Joseph Walker and Alfred Hennen. 
The ceiebrated jurist and historian, Frai 90 is Xavier Martin, 


20 


was elected President. He died in December, 1846. The follow- 
ing, year the Society was incorporated and Judge Henry A. Bul- 
lard was elected President, and John Perkins and J. D. B. De- 
Bow, Secretaries. 

By an act of the Legislature in i860, it was decreed that, “in 


> 







■ ■ 


■ 


JUDGE HENRY A. BULLARD, 

First President, Louisiana Historical Society, (1836.) 

the event of a dissolution of the Historical Society, all books, 
maps, records, manuscripts and collections shall revert to the 
State, for the use of the State Library. ” Judge Gayarre, was 
elected President in i860, and for seventeen years the Society 
was dormant, because of the Civil War and its consequences. 




21 


In April, 1877, a new charter was obtained from the Legislature, 
and the domicile of the Society was transferred from Baton 
Rouge to New Orleans. The incorporators in 1877 were: Chas. 

Gayarre, Francis T. Nicholls, Louis A. Wiltz, Robert M. Lusher, 
E. T. Merrick, W. W. Howe, George W. Cable, B. J. Sage, H. 



JUDGE F. X. MARTIN, 

Second President, Louisiana Historical Society. 

B. Magruder, William Walker, F. S. Richardson, Joseph A. 
Quintero, George A. Pike, Alexander Dimitry and J. Dickson 
Bruns, of New Orleans; William B. Eagan, N. C. Blanchard and 
F. J. Alcocke, of the Parish of Caddo; D. C’. Montan and J. M. 
Williams, of the Parish of East Baton Rouge. 




2 2 


The object of the Society, as stated in the act of 1877, is: “The 

collecting* and preserving facts, documents, records, memorials, 
relating to the national, aboriginal and civil history of the State.” 
In 1888 Judge Gayarre resigned the presidency, which he had 
held for twenty-eight years, and Judge W. W. Howe succeeded 
Judge Gayarre as President and remained in office until 1894, 
when the following officers were elected : President, Prof. Alcee 

Fortier: First Vice President, Miss Grace King; Second Vice 
President, Dr. Gustave Devron ; Secretary and Treasurer, Prof. 
John R. Ficklen ; Assistant Secretary, Prof. J. H. Rapp. Dr. 
Devron died in 1900. Judge Gayarre died in 1895. 

The present officers are: President, Prof. Alcee Fortier; First 

Vice President, Hon James S. Zacharie ; Second Vice PesidenL 
Gaspar Cusachs ; Secretary, Miss Grace King; Treasurer, Geo. 
W. Young; Assistant Secretary, Charles G. Gill. 

The Society has published two volumes of its proceedings and 
part first of the third volume. These publications are, mainly, 
contributions of its members. It intends to publish shortly ex- 
tracts from the very valuable documents in its custody, and it has 
received from the custodian of the Archives in the Ministry of 
the Colonies, in Paris, France, a bound copy of the documents 
relating to the history of Louisiana in 1803, with facsimiles of the 
most important papers. 

The Legislature of Louisiana authorized the Society to 
prepare the programme for the celebration of the transfer of 
Louisiana to the United States, and appropriated a sum of 
money for that purpose. 

The Society, mindful of the importance of all documents and 
papers in the Colonial Archives in Paris, France, relating to the 
early history of Louisiana, addressed a memorial to Con- 
gress, signed by the Presidents of all the historical societies 
in the Statesformed out of the original Province .of Louisiana, 
and by the Governors of these States, asking for the publication 
by the United States of the records aforenamed which contain 
hitherto unpublished correspondence, orders, proclamations, official 
reports, grants of lands and privileges ; the registration of births, 
marriages and deaths; censuses, financial accounts and various 
other data of great interest and importance to students and his- 
torians. 

Congress is petitioned to have these records copied and an 
edition printed for distribution, as public documents, among the 
universities, colleges, libraries, historical and other learned socie- 
ties of the United States, and that an appropriation be made for 
that purpose. 

Prof. Fortier has been informed by the keeper of Archives in 
Paris that the total cost of copying the documents will not exceed 
$2,000. 

The Louisiana Historical Society possesses and has in its 
custody very valuable books and documents pertaining to the 
history of the colony under the French and Spanish dominations. 


The Society has been actively engaged, and will be for years 
to come, in the work of investigation and classification of the 
history of this State. Among the subjects worthy of study are 
the following: (i) History of the Indians of Louisiana; (2) 



JUDGE CHARLES GAYARRE, 

Third President, Louisiana Historical Societo. 

history of the parishes; (3) history of distinguished foreigners 
who have visited Louisiana; (4) the laws of Louisiana; (5) 
biographies of famous Louisianians; (6) the development of 
agriculture and education; (9) old maps; (10) history of the v 
State from 1815 to 1903. 



24 


The Society holds monthly meetings, at which original histori- 
cal documents are exhibited and papers read by members The 
Society has honorary and corresponding members in this and 
other States and abroad. Every effort is made to bring the So- 



JUDGE W. W. HOWE, 

Fourth President, Louisiana Historical Society. 

ciety into close touch with other historical societies of the United 
States. 

On the 2d of May, 1901, the Society had the honor of receiving 
and welcoming William McKinley, the twenty-sixth Presi- 
dent of the United States, in the venerable Cabildo Build- 




25 


ing, and to hear within its walls patriotic expressions of his 
great interest in the welfare of the State of Louisiana, and of the 
important part the acquisition of Louisiana occupied in the ad- 
vancement and the history of the Luiited States. A few months 
later the beloved President was struck down by an assassin. 

On the 1 6th of October, 1901, the Society adopted resolutions 
in memory of the martyred President, concluding as follows : 

'‘This Society, in common with all citizens, desires to add its 
words of sorrow to those that have sprung from so many hearts, 
and to mourn for one that was so lately the guest of honor, and 
•of whom it will always cherish kindly recollections. As a presi- 
dent of the United States, and as an American statesman, our de- 
ceased guest occupied an eminent place in the history of our 
country, while his tragic end touched our hearts, and his tender 
devotion to an invalid wife gave the example to every home in the 
land of a devoted and model husband. 

“The Louisiana Historical Society, mindful that no words of 
its own can assuage a widow's grief, desires to offer to the 
President’s widow its respectful sympathy in her great bereave- 
ment, and to place in its records on a memorial page this expres- 
sion of its esteem and sorrow/’ 

Two years later, on April, 30, 1903, the Louisiana Histori- 
cal Society was the prime factor in an imposing celebration of the 
centennial of the signing of the treaty between Prance and the 
United States for the cession of the colony. Many distinguished 
citizens were present, and addresses were made by the Hon. Fran- 
cis T. Nicholls, Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court; Hon. 
Jos. A. Breaux, Associate Justice; Prof. Alcee Fortier, President 
of the Louisiana Historical Society; Hon. Albert Estopinal, Lieu- 
tenant Governor of the State ; Hon. Charles T. Soniat, who read 
the speech that was to have been delivered by Hon. Paul Capde- 
vielle, Mayor of the city, His Honor being unavoidably absent. 
Hon. J. S. Zacharie read the Treaty of Cession in English, and 
Hon. Charles T. Soniat read the treaty in French, and this was 
followed by the affixing of a memorial tablet at the entrance of 
the Cabildo bv the ladies of the Colonial Dames' Association, 
Daughters of Louisiana. 

This tablet is set at the entrance of the Supreme Court build- 
ing, and the inscription is as follows : 

THE CABILDO. 

Erected in the latter part of the eighteenth century by the Spanish 
Government, and used for the assembling of the Cabildo, or 
Government Council. 

Here, in 1803, took place the formal transfer of the Province of 
Louisiana from Spain to France, and from France to the 
United States. 


26 


Here, in 1825, resided, as the guest of the State, the Marquis de 
Lafayette, Later the great hall was used for the sessions of 
the Supreme Court of Louisiana. 

This tablet was placed here April 30, 1903, 

—by— 

The Colonial Dames of America, 

— in — 

The State of Louisiana. 

The most important role of the Society in the annals of this 
State and city was played in December, 1903, when during three 
successive days on the 18th, 19th and 20th, it celebrated with 
most elaborate ceremonies the centennial of the transfer of the 
Territory of Louisiana from France to the United States. 


ACT OF INCORPORATION. 

General Assembly, State of Louisiana, 1877, Extra 

Session. 

No. ic8. AN ACT 

To amend and re-enact an Act entitled “An Act to incorporate 
The Louisiana Historical Society, " approved January six- 
teenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty. 

Section i. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives of the State of Louisiana in General Assembly con- 
vened , That the following-named persons, viz : Clias. Gayarre, 
Francis T. Nicholls, Louis A. Wiltz, Robert M. Lusher, E. T. 
Merrick, W. W. Howe, George W. Cable, B. J. Sage, H. B. Ma- 
gruder, William Walker, F. L. Richardson, Joseph A. Quintero, 
George A. Pike, Alexander Dimitry, and J. D. Bruns, of the 
City of New Orleans ; W. B. Egan, N. C. Blanchard and F. J. 
Alcocke, of the Parish of Caddo ; D. C. Montan and J. M. Wil- 
liams, of East Baton Rouge; and such others as may hereafter 
be legally chosen, shall be and are hereby constituted a body 
corporate and politic to be known and called by the name of 
“The Louisiana Historical Society. v 

Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, etc., That the object of this 
Society shall be the collecting and preserving facts, documents, 
records and memorials relating to the natural, aboriginal and 
civil history of the State ; and that for the better preservation of 
the same, room shall be granted for the use of said Society in 
the building now appropriated to the use of the State Library. 

Sec. 3. Be it further enacted, etc.. That the domicile of said 

Society shall be in the City of New Orleans. It may have a cor- 
porate seal, which may be altered or changed at pleasure, may 
sue and be sued, may take and hold real or personal estate, 

whether by gift, grant or devise, and generally have and enjoy 


all the rights and privileges to which 
laws entitled. All notices and citation 
President or presiding officer of said 
Sec. 4. Be it further enacted , etc., 


similar institutions are by 
s shall be served upon the 
Society. 

That any five of the per- 



PROF. ALCEE FORT J ER, 

President Historical Society, 1903. 

sons named in the first section of this Act, may constitute a 
quorum for the organization of this Society, and shall have 
power to adopt a Constitution and By-Laws, for the legitimate 
transaction of the business of the same. 

Sec. 5. Be it further enacted, etc., That in the event of the 
dissolution of this Society, all books, maps, records, manuscripts 


28 


and collections shall revert to the State of Louisiana for the use 
of the State Library. 

Sec. 6. Be it further enacted , etc., That branches of the said 
Society may be formed in any part of the State. 

Sec. 7. Be it further enacted, etc., That all laws or parts 
of laws contrary to the provisions of this Act, be and the same 
are hereby repealed, and this act shall take effect from and after 
its passage. (Signed) Louis Bush, 

Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
(Signed) Louis A. Wiltz, 

Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate. 

Approved April 30th, 1877. 

(Signed) Francis T. Nicholls, 

Governor of the State of Louisiana. 

A true copy. Will A. Strong, 

Secretary of State. 



r 


CHAS. G. GILL, JUDGE JOS. A. BREAUX, 

Secretary of the Celebration Com- First Vice President, 1903, and Mem- 
mittee; Assistant Secretary ber Celebration Committee; now 

of the Society. 1904 Chief Justice of the Su- 

preme Court of the State 
of Louisiana. 

OFFICERS OF THE LOUISIANA HISTORICAL 

SOCIETY, 1904. 


Alcee Fortier President. 

James S. Zacharie First Vice-President. 

Gaspar Cusachs Second Vice-President. 

George W. Young Treasurer. 

Grace King Secretary. 

Chas. G. Gill Assistant Secretary, 606 Common St. 


29 


MEMBERS OF THE LOUISIANA HISTORICAL SO- 
CIETY. 

Active Members. 


Mrs. Thomas N. Adams 
William Agar, 

Dr. Edwin A. Alderman, 
Prof. Morton Aldrich, 

J. M. Augustin, 


John F. Couret, 

Pierre Crabites, 

J. W. Cruzat, 

Gaspar Cusachs, 

Miss Marcella Cusack, 
Miss Clarisse Cenas, 


Prof. W. J. Avery, 

Lafayette, La., Dr. T. S. Dabney, 
Dr. S. H. Backus, Henry P. Dart, 


Page M. Baker, 

Mrs. Albert Baldwin, 
Albert Baldwin, Jr., 
Henry F. Baldwin, 

Mrs. Henry F. Baldwin, 
J. P. Baldwin, 

Miss Jeanette Ballard, 
Judge R. T. Beauregard, 
William Beer, 

Gen. W. J. Behan, 

Mrs. W. J. Behan, 

Frank E. Bernard, 

Mrs. George R. Bernard, 
Prof. Edward Berthoud, 


Mrs. M. E. M. Davis, 

Prof. J. Hanno Deiler, 

Huges J. de la Yergne, 

Miss Amelie Denegre, 

Mrs. George Denegre, 

Walter D. Denegre, 

Miss Louise Dupre, 

Prof. B. V. B. Dixon, 

Hon. H. Garland Dupre, 

Miss Florence Dymond, PI 

Belair, La.,. 

Hon. John Dymond, 

Belair, La.,. 

John Dymond, Jr., 


Golden, Col., Thos. D. Dimitry, 


Airs. Aimee Beugnot, 

J. P. Blair, 

Mrs. Francis P. Blake, 
Andrew R. Blakelv, 
Governor N. C. Blanchard, 


Mrs. Susan B. Elder, 
Edgar H. Farrar, 

Henry L. Favrot, 

Judge Charles E. Fenner, 
Prof. J. R. Ficklen, 


Baton Rouge, La., Prof. Alcee Fortier, 


Dr. C. Milo Brady, 

Judge Joseph A. Breaux, 
Aliss Cora Bremer, 

Rev. Francis C. Brockmeier, 
R. H. Browne, 

Bernard Bruenn, 

Charles F. Buck, 

Reuben Bush, 

Mrs. Reuben Bush, 


Mrs. Louise A. Fortier, 

Airs. Josephine E. Fournier, 
Rev. Henry W. Foote, 

Chas. A. Favrot, 

Charles G. Gill, 

Prof. Henry M. Gill, 

Mrs. Louis M. Graham, 
Edgar Grima, 

Mrs. L. D. Goodrich, 

A. A. Gunby, Monroe, La., 


Prof. Pierce Butler, 

Pierre Chouteau, St. Louis, Mo. Wm. O Hart, 

Charles F. Claiborne, Major B. M. Harrod, 

Mrs. W. C. C. Claiborne, Rev. Max Heller, 

Dr. I. M. Cline, Miss SaralT Henderson, 

Prof. R. S. Cocks, John AT. Henshaw, 

Conrad Collins, New Iberia, La.^ 



T. P. THOMPSON, 


Chairman Finance Committee. 





31 




Mi ss N. Herron, 

Col. James D. Hill, 

Mrs. Joseph A. Hincks, 

Harry T. Howard, 

Mrs. Cerf. Hirsch, 
judge W. W. Howe, 

Major E. M. Hudson, 

Hon. W. L. Hughes, 

Thos. McC. Hyman, 

Dr. E. W. Jones, 

Mrs. Joseph Jones, 

B. F. Johnson, Richmond, Ya., 
Col. J. Stoddard Johnston, 

Louisville, Ky 

George Jenkins, 

Mrs. Wm. P. Johnston, 

Leon Joubert, 

Miss Anne Kennedy, 

Louisville, I< 
Huddleston Kenner, 

Benjamin Viz. Kernan, 

George C. H. Kernion, 

Col. Branch M. King, 

Judge F. D. King, 

Miss Grace King, 

Miss Anne King, 

Gustave Kohn, 

George Koppel, v. : , 

John Kracke, 

Hon. E. B. Kruttschnitt, 
Judge A. D. Land, 

Mrs. George F. Lapeyre, 

Dr. L. G. Le Beuf, 

Prof. Albert Lefevre, 

A. A. Lelong, 

Victor Leovy, 

Rev. I. L. Leucht, 

Frank L. Levy, 

Dr. E. S. Lewis, 

Alfred Livaudais, 

L. A. Livaudais, 

Clarence F. Low, 

I. L. Lyons, 

Elen. Henry McCall, 

Bernard McCioskey, 

James McConnell, Jr., 

Mrs. Mattie B. McGrath, 

Hon. Arthur McGuirk, 

Miss Sadie Mcllhenny, Avery 

Island, L 


J. J. McLoughlin, 

T. S. McLoughlin, 

*Hon. E. T. Manning, 

Mrs. Charles B. Maginnis, 

Houma, La., 
Rev. Henry S. Maring, 

R. H. Marr, 

Rev. J. M. Massardier, 

Dr. R. Matas, 

J. Creighton Matthews, 

Mrs. John May, 

E. T. Merrick, 

Gen. Adolph Meyer, 

., Miss Hilda Meyer, 

Mrs. Victor Meyer, 

T. Marshall Miller, 

Miss Kate Minor, 

Miss Mary E. Morgan, 
v, Miss E. C. Moss, 

Hart , Newman, 

Henry D. Ogden, 

Miss Marie Ogden, 

Dr. T. V. O'Gorman, 

Mrs. F. W. Parham, 

W. S. Parker son, 

Prof. John P. Pemberton, 

Col. Arsene Perilliat, 

Peter F. Pescud, 

Warren W. Phelan, 

Albert C. Phelps, 

John W. Philips, 

Mrs. J. W. Philips, 

Prof. A. T. Prescott, Baton 

Rouge, La., 
Mrs. Nelville Puech, 

Felix Puig, 

Henry Renshaw, 

Mrs. Ida Richardson, 

Miss Lily Richardson, 

Mrs. J. P. Richardson, 

E. S. Rapier, 

Henry Right or, 

Judge Emile Rost, 

Bussiere Rouen, 

H. L. Sayler, Chicago, 111., 
Colgate Scudder, 

Judge W. H. Seymour, 

L. C. Simon, 

7 s L. C. Smith, 
a., Mrs. Katherine Smith, 


* Deceased. 



COL. A. PERILLIAT. 
Chairman Military Committee. 



W. J. WAGUESPACK, 
Chairman Cathedral Committee. 




S3 


R. N. Gourdain Smith, 
Clias. T. Soniat, 

Leonce M. Soniat, 

Dr. E. Souchon, 

J. Zach. Spearing, 

E. L. Simonds, 

Prof. W. C. Stubbs, 

Mrs. W. C. Stubbs, 

Mrs. R. Sulakowski, 

J. S. Tassin, 

Judge George H. Theard, 
Thos. P. Thompson, 

B. Titche, 

Dr. Dalton H. Trepagnier, 
Col. T. O. Trepagnier, 

M. B. Trezevant, 

R. L. Tullis, 

Mrs. A. D. Urquhart, 

Mrs. D. A. S. Vaught, 

P. Percy Viosca, 

Frank Waddill, 

W. J. Waguespack, 

R. M. Walmsley, 


Mrs. R. M. Walmsley, 

George C. Walshe, 

James A. Ware, White 

Castle, La., 

Sam Weis, 

Rev. Chas. L Wells, 

P. M. Westfeldt, 

Miss E. B. White, 

Mrs. Sidney White, 

Morgan Whitney, 

Rev. C. M. Widrnan, 

Miss Jennie Wilde, 

Theodore S. Wilkinson, 

Espy Williams, 

Hon. A. H. Wilson, 

Mrs, Jules Wogan, 

J. T. Wood, 

Mrs. J. T. Wood, 

J. A. Woodville, 

Prof. Ellsworth Woodward, 
George W. Young, 

James S. Zacharie. 


Honorary Members. 

Hon. Paul Capdevielle, Mayor of the City of New Orleans. 
Very Rev. Mother Austin Carroll, Mobile, Ala. 

Most Rev. P. L. Chapelle, Archbishop of New Orleans. 

Hon. Murphy J. Foster, Senator and ex-Governor of Louisi- 
ana. 

Hon. W. W. Heard, ex-Governor of the State of Louisiana. 
Hon. Henry Vignaud, Secretary of the American Embassy, 
Paris, France. 




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Ceremonies of Friday, December 18, 1903 — The 

Naval Review and the Historical Ball. 


THE FIRST DAY. THE NAVAL REVIEW. 

The Committee having charge of the Naval Review had every- 
thing in readiness when the hour for holding the naval parade 
was reached. The U. S. S. Stranger, in waiting at Canal street 
landing, received the following guests: Monsieur J. J. Jus- 

serand, the French Ambassador to the United States ; the Spanish 
Consul, Senor J. Tuero y O'Donnell, in full uniform; the 
French Consul, M. Pierre Richard; the Vice Consul, Hon. 
Maurice Damour ; Paul Capdevielle, Mayor of New Orleans ; 
United States Senator Murphy J. Foster, Congressmen Adolph C. 
Meyer, Robert Broussard and Robt. C. Davey, President William 
Mehle, of the City Council ; Lieutenant Governor Albert Estopi- 
nal, Hon. John Mcllhenny ; President Alcee Fortier, of the Loui- 
siana Historical Society; P. A. Lelong; Captain John P. Merrell, 
in command of the United States Naval Station at New Orleans ; 
Judge Routhier, of the Court of Appeals, Quebec ; Walter D. 
Denegre, Armand Capdevielle, Editor of L'Abeille, New Orleans ; 
Dr. C. P. Wertenbaker, of the United States Marine Hospital; 
Hon. Henry McCall, U. S. Collector of the Port ; Messrs. Hugh 
McCloskey, W. A. Kernaghan, Bernard McCloskey and T. S. 
McChesney. 

Hardly had these distinguished gentlemen arrived when Gover- 
nor Heard came aboard the Stranger with the members of his 
staff following in order: General Allen Jumel, General A. B. 

Booth, General E. P. Cottreaux, Colonel Branch M. King, Colonel 
Harris, Colonel Andrews, Colonel Hooper, Colonel Maurice Gen- 
erelly, Colonel G. A. B. Hayes, Colonel Murray, Colonel Holmes, 
Major Thomas, Major J. B. Sinnott, Major Jos. T. Buddecke, 
Adajor H. M. Isaacson and Major W. McL. Fayssoux. 

Immediately after the Governor had reached the Stranger, the 
vessel left the wharf and steamed slowly down the river. As she 
did so the 

VESSELS IN PORT SALUTED 

with whistles and guns, while upon their rigging were seen all 
the flags of the nations, with the flags of the United States, 
France and Spain particularly prominent. The Stranger, after 
a trip of a mile or so, turned about and started back up the 
river, passing at a stated distance on the city side all the men-of 


36 


war anchored in midstream. The Minneapolis, the flagship of 
Admiral Wise, was the first passed. On board the Minneapolis 
the marines and the sailors were lined up at the side of the vessel, 
and on the Stranger the officers and men stood attention as the 
Stranger steamed past. Then bands played national airs, the 
Stranger opening with “Star Spangled Banner,” and the Minne- 
apolis replying with music of its own. Governor Heard, Ambas- 
sador Jusserand and the Spanish Consul, Mr. O'Donnell, together 
with Captain Bostick and Commander McFarlane, stood on the 
bridge as the vessel passed, and saluted. Every man-of-war, from 
the Minneapolis to the Yankee, was decorated from bow to stern 
with signal flags and the flags of all nations. As the Stranger 
passed the marines and sailors and officers who had stood at at- 
tention dispersed, and the visiting party sped on to the next ves- 
sel in line. 

The Hartford, with her black wooden hull looming from the 
water, was passed next by the Stranger in her slow run up the 
river, and upon her also the marines and the sailors and the of- 
ficers stood at attention, while the compliment was returned on 
board the Stranger and the two bands played their national airs. 
Next came the Topeka, and then the French cruiser, the Jurien 
de la Graviere ; and last the Yankee, whose big hull denoted at a 
glance that she had been a merchantman, transformed through 
the efforts of the Navy Department into a cruiser of no slight 
strength. 

By this time the Stranger was being followed by other vessels, 
and the steamer J. S., the official boat of the Louisiana Histori- 
cal Society. Behind her were the tugs, R. W. Wilmot, Taurus 
and Colonel L. Aspinwall. 

After passing the vessels on her up-stream trip, the Stranger 
came to anchor and prepared to 

RECEIVE ADMIRAL WISE AND THE COMMANDERS. 

of the other vessels which had come to do honor to the Historical 
Society's celebration. 

The Captain of the French cruiser, M. Lemogne, was the first 
to arrive on board the Stranger. He was received by Captain 
Bostick and the Governor’s staff and then introduced to the 
Governor, who accompanied him below, where they exchanged 
compliments. Admiral Wise was the next to arrive ; he also was 
received by the Governor's staff and shown below. Admiral 
Wise was accompanied by Captain A. Marix, of the Minneapolis, 
and his aid, Lieutenant Dayton. Commander L. C. Heilner, of 
the Yankee, Commander Veeder, of the Hartford, and the Com- 
mander of the Topeka, F. A. Wilner, were also similarly received. 

After a visit of ten or fifteen minutes, Admiral Wise, Captain 
Marix and Lieutenant Dayton appeared on deck, and were soon 
in their launch, bound for the Minneapolis. The Stranger boomed 
an Admiral’s salute of seventeen guns, after which the admiral’s 
launch sped away, and the French Captain and the French Con- 


37 


sui left together. Commander Veeder, of the Hartford, left next, 
being accompanied by Mayor Capdevielle. When all the officers 
had retired, the men and officers aboard the Stranger were called 
to attention, and the Governor and party prepared to return the 
calls which had been paid them. Those who left in the launch, 
included the French Ambassador, M. Jusserand; the Spanish Con- 
sul, Mr. O'Donnell ; Governor Heard, Mayor Capdevielle, Ad- 
jutant General Jurnel, General Booth, General Cottreaux, Major 
Fayssoux, and Captain J. W. Bostick, of the Stranger. 

The Stranger thundered a salute of nineteen guns to the 
French Ambassador, who stood on the steps of the launch with 
uncovered head until the firing ceased. The launch then sped 
away to the flagship of Admiral Wise, who in his triple capacity 
of the ranking officer and commander of the American fleet and 
the United States representative, was the first one visited. 

The visitors were received aboard the Minneapolis by Admiral 
Wise and Captain Marix and shown below, where an exchange 
of compliments took place. The launch of the Jurien de la 
Graviere* then came alongside and 

THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR 

came aboard and started for the French ship, amidst a salute of 
nineteen guns from the Minneapolis. Shortly afterwards the Gover- 
nor and his staff departed and to him was fired a salute of seven- 
teen guns. The proper salute was also fired to the Spanish Con- 
sul when he left the Minneapolis. The Governors party went 
past several of the vessels and came alongside the Jurien de la 
Graviere, where Governor Heard and party were received by 
Captain Lemogne and Ambassador Jusserand. A salute of 
seventeen guns was fired, and the Governor and party went next 
to the Yankee, and the Governor was saluted with seventeen guns. 
The Topeka was visited next, and a salute of seventeen guns was 
also fired. About this time the French Ambassador left the 
Jurien de la Graviere, and upon his departure was saluted with 
nineteen guns. 

The historic Hartford was the last vessel visited by the Gover- 
noffs party. 

Thus came to an end one of the most notable naval reviews 
ever seen in the Mississippi river, one participated in by represen- 
tatives from thee nations, comm em orating an event whose great- 
ness and significance are now fully realized. 

ON BOARD THE “J. S” 

\ . y rOr • 

Three hundred- and twenty members and guests of the Louisi- 
ana Historical Society took part in the naval review, the J. S. 
having been allotted a place of honor a few hundred feet behind 
the Governor’s reviewing vessel. Gay with flags and bunting of 
the United States, France and Spain, the boat presented a pictur- 
esque appearance. 


38 


At noon the excursionists began to come trooping down the 
wharf's incline and to seek coigns of vantage on the roomy decks 
of the J. S. 

A committee on reception, composed of members of the Louisi- 
ana Historical Society, distributed handsome badges. The time 
fixed for departure was 12:20, but it was fully one hour after, 
that the leading ship, the Stranger, cast off her mooring ropes and 
proceeded down stream and slowly moved along the line of men -of 
war. The Stranger went about two miles down stream and then 
turned and steamed up the river, on the Algiers side. She 
rounded the last warship when about two miles away, and return- 
ing down stream, stopped abreast the middle war vessel in line. 
Then began the ceremonious round of visits by the Governor to 
the Commandant of each man-of-war, and this was followed by 
the return calls of the Commanders. 

The Historical Society's contingent of members and guests 
were afforded a splendid view of the whole scene from start to 
finish. 

The boat came back to the landing at Canal street at 3 o’clock. 

THE HISTORICAL BALL AT THE FRENCH OPERA 

HOUSE. 

Nothing in the history of brilliant functions, at least those with- 
in the memory of the present generation, could have excelled the 
animated scene* that was presented in the French Opera House 
on the night of December 18, 1903, when, with the first burst of 
the march music from the orchestra, cunningly hidden behind a 
screen of flowers and ferns, on the stage, there trooped down 
from the foyer to the parquette entrance a procession of beauti- 
ful women clad in the costly and rich embroidered dresses of the 
first years of the nineteenth century. The glittering, bejeweled 
array of fascinating ladies was preceded by a distinguished van- 
guard of honor, Governor Heard and Ambassador Jusserand, 
Mayor Capdevielle and the Spanish Consul, Senor Tuero y O'Don- 
nell. Then came the 

COUPLES IN THE MARCH. 

Admiral Wise and Mrs. W. C. C. Claiborne. 

Ex-Governor Francis and Airs. R. T. Beauregard. 

Commander Lemogne of the French cruiser Jurien de la 
Graviere, and Mrs. O. O. Provosty. 

Captain Marix, of the United States cruiser Minneapolis, and 
Airs. James Hulde. 

Captain Veeder, of the Hartford, and Miss Amelie Denegre. 

Captain Wilner, of the Topeka, and Mrs. Wm. Preston John- 
ston. 

Captain Heilner, of the Yankee, and Aliss Emma Zacharie. 

Judge Routhier, of Ottawa, Canada, and Mrs. George Den- 
egre. 


39 


Hon. Pierre Richard, Consul General of France, and Mrs. C~ 
E. Fenner. 

Captain J. P. Merrell, United States Naval Commandant, and 
Miss Kate McCall. 

President Fortier, of the Historical Society, and Mrs. H. D. 
Bruns. 

The march was part 2 of the programme of musical numbers,, 
the first part of which consisted of selections from the old mas- 
ters (1739 to 1800). 

The promenade ended when the stage was reached, and the 
guests were received by a number of ladies of the Society, and 
lady patronesses, the other portion of the general committee act- 
ing as escort to the party of prominent guests. 

During all of this first and second part of the programme, 
while the minuet and the gavotte (dances of the last century) 
were being danced, ladies not in 1803 costumes were not allowed 
on the dancing floor. 

The minuet was admirably 

DANCED BY FIFTY-TWO COUPLES, 

who had been carefully trained under the direction of the ladies, 
composing the Minuet Committee. 

All of the young ladies were dressed in white with ornaments- 
and gauze and scarfs of colors. 

THE DANCERS. 

Couples in the Minuet. 

Miss Martha Andry and Mr. Tom Lanaux. 

Miss Marie Bernard and Mr. James Campbell. 

Miss Nina Bernard and Mr. Ben Crump. 

Miss Nina Burthe and Mr. Chas. Couturie. 

Miss Laure Beauregard and Mr. Blanc Monroe. 

Miss Marguerite Beauregard and Mr. Koch Chalaron. 

Miss Edith Buckner and Mr. W. Leverich. 

Miss Beulah Butler and Mr. H. Sears. 

Miss Mathilde A. Bailey and Mr. Gaston Becnel. 

Miss Jeanne Correjolles and Mr. A. Robelot. 

Miss Amelie Chiapella and Mr. Sidney Moreno. 

Miss Laure Chiapella and Mr. Arthur Moreno. 

Miss L. Chalaron and Mr. Chas. Reynolds. 

Miss Amelie Claiborne and Mr. Martin Matthews. 

IVIiss Haydee Cruzat and Mr. Jas Strawbridge. 

Miss Loulou Delery and Dr. P. de Verges. 

Miss Bertie Delery and Mr. Walter Robertson. 

Miss Claire Ducros and Mr. John Plauche. 

Miss Corinne Duplantier and Mr. James Ferry. 

Miss Cora de Verges and Mr. Rene Freret. 

Miss Stephanie de Verges and Mr. Emile Blanchard. 


40 


Miss F. L. Ellis and Mr. Eugene Parham. 

Miss Celeste Eshleman and Mr. Paul Robelot. 

Miss Lucy Farrar and Mr. John W. Hincks. 

Miss Jeanne Fortier and Mr. Geo. Baudean. 

Miss Marie Ferry and Mr. Albert LeBreton. 

Miss Gladys Fenner and Mr. Ross Brazeale. 

Miss Mathilde Grevemberg and Mr. C. T. Sawyer. 
Miss Martha Gasquet and Dr. King Logan. 

Miss Mav Gilmore and Mr. Louis Plauche. 

Miss Emma Grima and Dr. Guy Darcantel. 

Miss Mildred Hall and Mr. John Williams. 

Miss Emilie Hincks and Mr. John G. Robin. 

Miss Emma Hincks and Mr. Henry Plauche. 

Miss Laura Jones and Mr Edw. Person. 

Miss Margot Labarre and Mr. Robert Ducros. 

Miss May Logan and Mr. Harry Forsyth. 

Miss V. F. Ford and Mr. John Skipwith. 

Miss Kitty Monroe and Mr. Irving Lyons. 

Miss Alice Monroe and Mr. Gus. Beauregard. 

Miss Adele Matthews and Mr. E T dolpho Wolfe. 

Miss Mary Matthews and Mr. Sam Logan. 

Miss Stella Mendes and Mr. C. M. McMillan. 

Miss Eliska Provosty and Mr J. D. Hardin. 

Miss Adina Provosty and Dr. Louis I. Gelpi. 

Miss Cecil Preot and Mr. Oscar Guerin. 

Miss Lillian Parlange and Mr. Ashbel Hunton. 

Miss Charlotte Payne and Mr. C. J. Butler. 

Miss Nelville Poupart and Mr. Stephen De Blanc. 
Miss Elodie Robelot and Mr Tarrant. 

Miss Corine Yillere and Mr. Paul Yillere. 

Miss Georgie Winship and Mr. Richard Eustis. 
Miss Clemence Williams and Mr. O. N. Shepard. 

The following danced the gavotte : 

Couples in the Gavotte. 

Miss Gratia Allen and Mr. Audley Post. 

Miss Emily Adams and Mr. Tlieo. Roehl. 

Miss Eveline Bvrd and Mr. Edw. Ellis. 

Miss Lenny Boisblanc and Mr Palmer Abbott. 

Miss Anna Butts and Mr. Sidney Ellis. 

Miss Jeanne Boudousquie and Mr. Robert Dugue. 
Miss Margot Castellanos and Mr. T. N. Robertson. 
Miss Armide Crump and Mr. Henry Collins. 

Miss Carrie Charles and Mr. Wm. Leverich. 

Miss Pauline Carran and Mr. L. A. Beugnot. 

Miss Isabel Duggan and Mr. Louis Hardie. 

Miss Lillian Duggan and Mr. Charles Green. 

Miss Irene Delerv and Mr. Alfred Porteous. 

Miss Louise de Lassus and Mr. R. R. Bailey. 


41 


Miss Anita Delvaille and Mr. Armand Guyol. 

Miss Hazel Ellis and Mr. Howard Crandall. 

Miss Marv Farrar and Mr. Elfert Harral. 

Miss Nathalie Friedrich and Mr. Maurice Lemoine. 

Miss Adele Ford and Mr. Frank Copp. 

Miss Emma Ganucheau and Mr. Harry Fremaux. 

Miss Anna Ganucheau and Mr. Ed. Gueydan. 

Miss Heloise Gardere and Mr. Albert Andrews. 

Miss Mary Hosmer and Mr. Alf. Welborn. 

Miss Lise Hewitt and Mr. Walter Jahncke. 

Miss Alice Hardie and Mr. W. Huger. 

Miss Alice Ivy and Mr. Thos. Gordon. 

Miss Corinne Ivernion and Mr. Gaillard Martin. 

Miss Florence Kells and Mr. E. B. Ellis. 

Miss Bessie Kidder and Mr. Walter Grima. 

Miss Gertrude Kerr and Mr. Harry Moore. 

Miss Beatrice Levert and Mr. Jules Burguiere. 

Miss Margot Lelong and Mr. R. Frazee. 

Miss Cecile LeBesque and Mr. R. Benton. 

Miss Florena McKenzie and Mr. W. Richardson. 

Miss Beatrice Nott and Mr. H. Emmett. 

Miss Mav Norman and Mr. W. Wolfork. 

j 

Miss Eleanor Nixon and Mr. Douglas Black. 

Miss Lillie Post and Mr. H. Chamberlain. 

Miss Aline Rouen and Dr. G. Rudolph. 

Miss Sadie Shelby and Mr. Harry Todd. 

Miss Isabel Spelman and Mr. W. Mangum. 

Miss Minnie Stewart and Mr. H. Richardson. 

Miss Cora Stanton and Mr. E. Jahncke. 

Miss Vertille Stanton and Mr. J. Hayward. 

Miss Lucille Terrel and Mr. John Jarvis. 

Miss Lucille Vardel and Mr. M. Smith. 

Miss Gertrude Warner and Mr. W. Henderson. 

Miss Gratia Walmsley and Mr. Pierre Freret. 

Miss Helen West and Mr. Geo. Ivernion. 

Miss May Waters and Mr. Bainbridge Logan. 

Miss Erie Waters and Mr. Edward Moore. 

From all parts of the house, from the amphitheatre boxes, filled 
with beautiful women in faultless gowns ; from the loges and 
baignoires and loges grillees, replete with onlookers, there burst 
forth, at intervals, prolonged applause, at the ease, grace and skill 
of the participants in the dances of the long ago. 

As a compliment to the honored representative of the Spanish 
Government, Hon. Tuero y O’Donnell, consular representative, and 
also specially delegated for the Centennial ceremonies, a Spanish 
waltz, “Espaha,” was played. 

The ball was opened by a two-step '‘Louisiana Centennial,” 
composed by Miss Emma Hincks, and dedicated to the Louisiana 
Historical Society. 


42 


The concluding number of the second part was a medley of 
Creole melodies, arranged by Prof. George L. O'Connell, the 
talented local musician and composer, and director of the music 
of the Historical ball. 

Part 3, modern dances, was open to all the guests, and soon 
the ballrooom became tenanted by a dense mass of merry couples 
enjoying waltzes and “two-steps." This third part was inter- 
spersed with promenades, and concluded with a two-step. 

The decorations of the opera house were neither elaborate nor 
gorgeous, but were typical of the occasion and were very taste- 
fully disposed. Under the balcony, which was flanked by two 
stairways, there rose a trophy of flags of France, the United 
States and Spain, and festoons of flowers and evergreens. Palms 
and potted plants adorned the balustrades, and made elegant and 
reposeful decorations, leading to the double doors that give access 
to the vestibule of the parquette. 

Inside there gleamed long stringers of electric lights, near the 
stage, and crossing the vaulted ceiling, like intersecting ropes 
of fire. On one side of the stage the orchestra, under the 
direction of Prof. George L. O'Connell, was concealed behind 
foliage dotted with bunches of flowers. In the center of the stage 
there was a dais representing the trinity of national colors, em- 
blematic of the period whose centennial was being commemorated. 

The Historical ball was, indeed, a most successful and brilliant 
function, whose radiance and beauty were due to the great pains 
and indefatigable exertions of the ladies in charge of the arrange- 
ments, and to the aid given by the lady patronesses whose names 
follow : 


MINUET AND GAVOTTE COMMITTEE. 

Mrs. Win. P. Johnston, Mrs. D. A. S. Vaught, Miss Virginia 
W. Wilde, Mrs. M. E. M. Davis, Mrs Geo. Denegre, Mrs John 
May, Mrs. J. P. Richardson, Mrs. H. D. Bruns, Mrs. J. W. 
Castles, Mrs. Joseph A. Hincks. 

YOUNG LADIES ASSISTING. 

the patronesses in receiving distinguished guests at the Louisiana 
Centennial Ball, Dec. 18: 

Miss Isabel Ptiig, Miss Angele Puig, Miss Nellie Farwell, 
Miss Louise Ferrier, Miss Marie Reynes, Miss Carrie Freret, 
Miss Nellie Henderson, Miss Lucia Miltenberger, Miss Etta 
Finney, Miss Miriam Pemberton, Miss Maude Burthe, Miss 
Burthe, Miss Margaret Minor, Miss Alicia Jumonville. 

LADY PATRONESSES. 

Mrs. W. C. C. Claiborne, Mrs. Chas. F. Claiborne, Mrs. C. P. 
Wilkinson, Mrs. R. T. Beauregard, Mrs. F. T. Nicholls, Mrs. 
Paul Capdevielle, Mrs. H. W. Conner, Mrs. Geo. Lapeyre, 
Mrs. H. D. Bruns, Mrs. Jules Wogan, Mrs. Albert 


43 


Toledano, Mrs. George Denegre, Miss Kate McCall, Miss 
Linda Miles, Mrs. O. O. Provosty, Mrs. Charles Car- 
roll, Mrs. J. P. Kock, Mrs. L. G. Le Beuf, Mrs. J. Gustave 
Olivier, Mrs. Fred Joubert, Mrs. Leon Villere, Mrs. A. W. De 
Roaldes, Mrs. Sydney White, Mrs. A. L. Livaudais, Mrs. F. J. 
Gasquet, Mrs. D. A. Mil liken, Mrs. F. W. Tilton, Mrs. J. D. 
Denegre, Mrs. Chas. Conrad, Mrs. Sami Delgado, Mrs. C. M. 
Whitney, Mrs. Geo. Q. Whitney, Mrs. H. R. Labouisse, Mrs. J. 
W. Cruzat, Mrs. James De Buys, Mrs. Maurice Brier re, Mrs. G. 
Cusachs, Mrs. T. S. Wilkinson, Mrs. J. W. Castles, Mrs. J. Mc- 
Connell, Jr., Mrs. R. M. Walmslev, Mrs. Walter Denegre, Mrs. 
B. F. Eshleman, Mrs. H. J. de la Vergne, Mrs. Chas. E. Fenner, 
Mrs. Walter Flower, Airs. Edgar Farrar, Mrs. Louis Burthe, 
Mrs. Alfred Grima, Mrs. Ro-bt. Parker, Aliss Sue White, Airs. 
Henry Beauregard, Airs. Norvin Harris, Airs. F. A. Monroe, 
Airs. Chas. Parlange, Airs. B. S. Story, Miss Emma Zacharie, 
Airs. Jas. Aliltenberger, Mrs. Jules Denis, Mrs. E. C. Villere, 
Airs. E. Aliltenberger, Airs. Gustav Kohn, Mrs. Omer Villere, 
Airs. H. G. Morgan, Jr., Mrs. Cartwright Eustis, Mrs. W. J. 
Alontgomery, Airs. B. K. Aiiller, Airs. St. Denis Villere, Airs. E. 
J. Glenny, Airs. Adolphe Meyer. 

The ladies were assisted by a committee from the membership 
of the Louisiana Historical Society, who wore special badges. 

Of the Committee on Reception and Seating of Guests, Chas. de 
B. Claiborne was Chairman ; Foyer Committee, Judge C. E. Fen- 
ner, Chairman ; Floor, Hon. Walter D. Denegre. 

The ball was designed to recall and commemorate a ball given 
in New Orleans, in 1803, at the period of the transfer, the French 
Commissioner and the American Governor Claiborne being guests 
of honor. 

The costume of 1803 Ent grace and historical accuracy to the 
scene which was enlivened by the dances oT the time, the minuet 
and the g'avotte. 

The participants in this scene were drawn largely from the old 
Creole families. Ancestresses of some of the dancers had 
taken part in the ball of 1803, an( l ' m several instances their very 
gowns were worn by their descendants. 

LADY A 1 EMBERS OF THE LOUISIANA HISTORICAL 

SOCIETY (DECEAIBER, 1803). 

Airs. Thomas N. Adams, Airs. H. F. Baldwin, Airs. F. P. 
Blake, Airs. A. Baldwin, Miss Jeannette Ballard, Mrs. W. J. Be- 
han, Airs. George Denegre, Mrs. Alollie E. Moore Davis, Aliss 
Amelie Denegre, Airs. Susan B. Elder, Airs. L. Augustin-Fortier, 
Airs. Josephine E. Fournier, Airs. L. Dufour Goodrich, Miss N. 
Herron, Aliss Sarah Henderson, Airs. Joseph A. Hincks, Mrs. 
Wm. Preston Johnston, Mrs. Joseph Jones, Aliss Grace King, 
Aliss Anna King, Miss Anna Kennedy, Airs. I. L. Lyons, Aliss 
Kate Minor, Miss Sadie Mcllheny, Mrs. C. B. Maginnis, Mrs. 
John May, Miss Hilda Alever, Mrs. Factor Meyer, Miss Mary E. 


44 


Morgan, Miss E. C. Moss, Mrs. F. W. Parham, Mrs. J. P. Rich- 
ardson, Mrs. R. Sulakowski, Mrs. A. D. Urquhart, Mrs. D. A. S. 
Vaught, Miss E. White, Mrs. John Wood, Miss Virginia W. 
Wilde, Mrs. R. M. Walmsley, Mrs. Ida Richardson, Mrs. N. A. 
Puech. 

The special guests at the ball were such as might be expected 
on a great national and international centennial occasion. The 
list comprised men who had won distinction both in military and 
civil life, and on the floor were many who are widely known in 
America and abroad. The official representative of the United 
States Government, Admiral Wise; the French Ambassador, 
President David R. Francis, of the Louisiana Purchase Exposi- 
tion ; Governor Heard and Mayor Capdevielle were among the 
galaxy of brilliant personages who graced the second Louisiana 
purchase ball. Artist Leavitt and his bride, formerly Miss Ruth 
Bryan, were given a hearty welcome, and conducted quite a re- 
ception in the box which they occupied. Late during the dancing 
Mrs. Leavitt was escorted over the floor, and introduced to many 
of the young people of New Orleans. 

Governor Heard officially represented the State, and Mayor 
Capdevielle represented the city. Congressman Davey and wife, 
President of the Council William Mehle, Commander Lemogne, 
Justice Frank A. Monroe, and representatives of various State 
and city departments were present. 

The party of distinguished officials of the Louisiana Purchase 
Exposition occupied Proscenium Box G, and was as follows : 
President D. R. Francis, Secretary Collins Thompson, J. D. 
Hirshberg, Judge W. F. Boyle, L. D. Dozier, A. B. Hart, Ric- 
cardo D. Albertini, M. H. De Menil, A. H. Frederick, Nicholas 
M. Bell, James Campbell, Colonel J. G. Butler, John D. Davis 
and James Schotten. 

Spanish Consul J. Tuero y O'Donnell, the official representa- 
tive of the Spanish Government, occupied Proscenium Box 8. 

Box F was occupied by Ambassador Jusserand, Consul Rich- 
ard, and the officers of the French cruiser, as follows: Com- 

mander Bled, Lieutenant Hevin, Lieutenant Sieve, Ensign 
Blanchot, Ensign Du Merle, Sub Lieutenants De Roney, Lere- 
verend, Theron and Chabot. 

The officers of the Topeka present, were : Lieutenant Althouse, 
Lieutenant Allen, Surgeon Iden, Midshipman Murdock and Pay- 
master Barber. 

The officers of the Hartford present were : Captain Veeder, 

Surgeon McCormick, Paymaster Ash, Navigator Zegmeyer, Chief 
Engineer Evans, Lieutenant Edie, and Ensigns Courtney and 
Hallweg. 

Those who attended from the Minneapolis were : Admiral 

Wise, Captain Marix, Lieutenants Dayton, Reed, Pearson, The- 
leen, Long and Ridgely, Surgeon Griffin and Mr. Clinton Wise, 
son of the Admiral. 


45 


The officers of the Yankee present were: Lieutenants Kittelle,. 

Sypher, Barbin, Houston and South, Surgeon Shaw and Chap- 
lain Patrick. 

GAVOTTE AND MINUET. 

The gavotte is a dance of French origin, somewhat resembling 
the minuet, and worthy of commendation for its combination of 
vivacity and originality. It first came into popularity from the 
Department of the Hautes-Alpes, and its etymology is due to its 
having been born in Gap, a town in that Department, whose in- 
habitants were called Gavots, and hence the term “gavotte ” 

The music for such a dance is quick, vivacious and attractive. 
It was introduced in the latter half of the seventeenth century, 
but was seldom performed after the middle of the eighteenth. 

Therefore, the music selected by Prof. O'Connell for the 
gavotte, which was the third number in part 2 of the programme, 
was an old French lay, “C Yst le Roi Dagobert,” whose rhythm 
is very jovial and lively. The introductory music was “La Fete 
du Village,” a composition by Mozart (1791). 

The minuet, another old-fashioned dance, was invented in 
Poitou, France, about the middle of the seventeenth century. Its 
name is derived from “menuet," which means small, little, pretty, 
thin, and has reference to the small steps taken in dancing that 
measure. It is a slow and graceful dance, which, in the eighteenth 
century, was much in favor as a stately and ceremonious dance. 
Music for such a dance is triple and slow. The orchestral divi- 
sion, therefore, for its evolution in the Historical bail 
comprised the partition of “Don Juan” (Mozart, 1707), and the 
popular air, “Cadet Roussel,” an anonymous musical song and 
dance. Both of these measures are slow and dignified, and are 
exactly suited to the motif of the minuet. That dance was in all 
Its glory in the palmy days of the French Court in the seven- 
teenth and eighteenth centuries, and was a favorite with the pow- 
dered and bejeweled maquises and the peruked and frilled mar- 
quis and chevaliers. 

The costumes worn at the ball were typical of the event com- 
memorated, and were patterned after the style of 1803. Nearly 
all of the dresses were white, with a few of blue, many of them in 
the style of the empire. White liberty gauze, chiffon, liberty 
satin, with sashes, seemed to be the favorite materials. 

It was Miss Grace King, Secretary of the Louisiana Historical 
Society, who first conceived the idea of the Historical Ball and 
who planned nearly all the details of it. On the eve of the Cen- 
tennial Celebration the death of her venerated mother prevented 
Miss King from taking any part in the different functions. 


* 



(Photo by J. M. Teunisson, Official Photographer.) 

OFFICERS AND GUESTS OF LOUISIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AT THE CITY HALL. 

Friday, December 18, 1903. 



Ceremonies of Saturday, December, 19, 1903 — At the 
City Hall, Historical Museum and the Cabildo — 
Addresses by Distinguished Guests — 
Military Review — Gala Operatic 

Performance. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19. 

CEREMONIES AT CITY HALL, HISTORICAL MUSEUM 

AND CABILDO. 

France, Spain and the United State — the three powers repre- 
sented in the formal ceremonies of the day — were in close and 
most friendly union throughout the entire proceedings. His Ex- 
cellency, M. Jusserand, Ambassador of France at New Orleans ; 
Hon. J. Tuero y O’Donnell, Spanish Consul, specially delegated 
to represent his Government, and Admiral Wise, of the United 
States Navy, designated by President Roosevelt as United States 
representative, were together during the greater part of the day. 

THE CEREMONIES OF THE DAY 

began early in the forenoon and lasted until about 4 o’clock. At 
the City Hall, which was most handsomely decorated, Mayor 
Capdevielle and the members of the Louisiana Historical Society 
received the guests: Ambassador Jusserand, of France; Consul 

Tuero y O’Donnell, of Spain; Admiral Wise, U. S. N. ; Captain 
Lemogne. commanding the French cruiser Jurien de la Graviere ; 
Judge Routhier, of the Exchequer Court of Canada; Sir E. Tas- 
chereau, Judge of the Supreme Court of Canada; Ex-Governor 
D. R. Francis, of Missouri, President of the Louisiana Purchase 
Exposition, and many officers from the visiting warships; also 
His Excellency, Governor Heard, of Louisiana, and his staff; 
Hon. Pierre Richard, French Consul General at New Orleans, 
and several prominent men in naval, military, social, commercial 
and financial circles in this State and citv. 

Having spent nearly one hour in speech-making and personal 
introductions, members of the Louisiana Historical Society and 
guests next went, in carriages, to the Historical Museum on 
Chartres street (The Old Archbishop’s Palace) with an escort of 
the First Troop of Cavalry, L. S. N. G. 

The Mayor delivered an address of welcome from the porch of 
the Archbishop's Palace, while the guests and as many people as 


48 


could conveniently crowd into the inclosure, were standing in the 
courtyard. At the conclusion of the Mayor's speech Prof. For- 
tier, President of the Louisiana Historical Society, gave a sketch 
of the memorable events of the last century, and related many 
facts about Louisiana and New Orleans, the traditions and his- 
torical wealth of this fair Southern land. 

The concluding part of the ceremonies at the Archiepiscopal 
Palace was a tour of the museum by the guests, at the invitation 
of President Fortier and Mayor Capdevielle. This museum, in 
charge of a committee from the Louisiana Historical Society, and 
under the chairmanship of Mr. Caspar Cusachs, proved a most 
unique sight for the visitors from abroad, by personal observa- 
tion, to have some idea of the wealth and quantity of documents, 
books, relics and valuable heirlooms which have been preserved 
by the descendants of the ancient settlers of the Louisiana colony. 

From the Museum to the Cabildo, that venerable struc- 
ture around and about which there clings the hallowed mem- 
ory of days gone by, the members of the Louisiana Historical 
Society, its guests and military escort of cavalry troop, moved in 
an almost triumphal march, while bands of music played, and the 
populace lining the sidewalks, and filling in all the doors and 
windows along the route, gave vent to its delight and satisfied in- 
terest by hearty shouts and frequent applause. 

In front of the Cabildo, whose approaches were kept clear of 
curiosity-seekers by a cordon of police, there stood a platform 
gaily and elaborately decorated with palms and ferns. As soon 
as the cortege reached the Cabildo, a committee from the Louisi- 
ana Historical Society received the distinguished guests and 
escorted them to seats on the platform. 

A very dignified and excellent address of welcome was made 
by Governor Heard, who was followed by Ambassador Jusserand, 
of France, who captured the sympathies and won the friendship 
of those present, with his first words, inFrench, stating that al- 
though he could speak English, yet in view of the fact that New 
Orleans was founded by Frenchmen, and that the people had so 
admirably preserved the language of that country, he would ad- 
dress them in his native tongue. 

Senor J. Tuero y O’Donnell, Consular Representative of Spain, 
and specially delegated to represent his Government during the 
centennial ceremonies, was the next speaker. Senor O’Donnell 
spoke in English, prefacing his discourse with an explanation that 
he was not a fluent talker in that language, but that he would do 
his best. 

Admiral Wise, the official representative of the United States 
Government, spoke very briefly, contenting himself with saying a 
few words complimentary to New Orleans, and expressing his 
satisfaction at having had the pleasure of participating in the 
ceremonies. 

Ex-Governor D. R. Francis closed the series of speeches, and 
in his discourse, which he was not more than half an hour in de- 


4 9 


livering, gave his appreciation of the unrivaled advantages of 
New Orleans as a commercial and industrial city, and wished for, 
and prophesied a closer bond of union between St. Louis and New 
Orleans. 

Upon the invitation of President Alcee Fortier the distin- 
guished guests and those who were participants in the pro- 
gramme, and a few local notables, adjourned to the justices' 
room, upstairs, where a most agreeatO Sine was spent, Chief 
Justice Nicholls delivering the only toast. 

This social function helped to while away one hour, until dis- 
tant music and shouts of the people Pom afar proclaimed the 
approach of the military parade. The whole company then came 
downstair and reoccupied the platform. The procession was. 



GASPAR CUSACHS, 

Chairman Museum Committee. 

headed by a band of music from one of the warships in port, fol- 
lowed by detachments of marines and sailors from the U. S. 
Ships Hartford, Yankee, Topeka and Minneapolis, and from the 
French man-of-war Jurien de la Graviere, the latter having their 
Own orchestra. 

Shout after shout rent the air, and the clapping of hands 
sounded like a hail storm striking a metal roof, as the sturdy, 
bronzed and stalwart sailors came in sight of the oc- 
cupants of the platform. The people joined in the 

hearty demonstration, which had effect of giving a more martial 
bearing and a prouder carriage to the men as they 




ARRIVAL OF THE URSULINES NUNS AT NEW ORLEANS IN 1727, 

(From a Picture in the Historical Museum.) 


51 


came swinging along Chartres street, and slightly obliqued to the 
right in making the short curve at St. Peter street. Soldiers in 
uniform, keeping step to the music and marching on while the 
band is playing, and the people are applauding, will ever be 
favorites with the public. So the applause, while more demon- 
strative in regard to the visiting soldiers, was very hearty also 
when the home soldiers passed. 

Until nightfall the guests took needed rest, and at 8 p. m. they 
were again participants in a brilliant social event, the grand gala 
performance of “CarmeiU at the French Opera House. 


THE EXERCISES AT THE HISTORICAL MUSEUM. 


This old building standing in the heart of the old French 
Quarter, by its very architecture and by the very atmosphere 
which surrounds it, carried the minds of all who gathered there 
to that period early 200 years ago, when the Ursuline Nuns 
landed on the banks of the Mississippi and prepared to spend their 
lives here laboring among the colonists of America. The ancient 
building, built in 1734, and passing through all the vicissitudes of 
national and international strife, rejoicing for a moment in pros- 
perity and staggering under adversity the next, fully conveyed 
by its appearance the many notable changes which had come over 
it and in the social and political conditions since first it became a 
famous building in the city of New Orleans. Originally the 
home of consecrated nuns and the official office of the Archbishop, 
the building represented the influences of Church and State, 
which had entered into the history of Louisiana and New Or- 
leans, molding and building up the social, moral and political 
forces of the commonwealth from meagre colonial life and mere 
settlement, to its present high rank. 

Long before the appointed time for the arrival of the official 
party, the visitors to this old palace, wishing to participate in the 
memorable celebrations, had begun to gather, and by noontime 
many were curiously examining the relics of an earlier time. 

While these lovers of the ancient and curious were thus en- 
gaged, the official party had left the morning's rendezvous and 
were approaching the Palace. His Grace, 

ARCHBISHOP CHAPELLE, CAME FROM THE 

PALACE 

m the robes of his office, and stood on the porch. Near him were 
Bishop Rouxel and Vicar General Laval, with many of the clergy 
close at hand. 

The official party was met by the members of the Museum 
Committee and escorted into the Palace, Archbishop Chapelle re- 
ceiving them as they mounted the steps of the porch. 

First came the French Ambassador, H011. J. J. Jusserand, es- 
corted by Chairman Cusachs and Governor Heard, followed by 
his Adjutant General, Allen Jumel. Mayor Capdevielle, together 
with the Spanish Consul, Mr. O'Donnell, and other members of 


the Governor's staff and distinguished guests, came next. Ad- 
miral Wise, the representative of the United States, and Con- 
gessman Adolph Meyer, Governor Francis and party, accom- 
panied bv J. P. Baldwin; Chief Justice Nicholls, Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor Estopinal ; Captain Lemogne of the Jurien de la Graviere 
and the French Consul General Richard ; officers of the various 
men-of-war in port; Captain John P. Merrell, of the United 
States Naval Station ; President Alcee Fortier and Charles T. 
Soniat, of the Louisiana Flistorical Society; Theodore S. Wilkin- 
son, grandson of General James Wilkinson; Charles F. Claiborne, 
grandson of the first Governor of American Louisiana, and many 
others were among those who entered the famous building. 

The official party went immediately into the Museum, 
which had been arranged in the rooms of the first floor of the 
building, but they came out directly and stood on the porch of 
the Palace, while the crowd gathered around to- hear the addresses 
of the day. On the porch were Chief Justice Nicholls, the Span- 
ish Consul, Archbishop Chapelle, Consul General Richard, of 
France; Vicar General Laval, Captain Lemogne, General Allen 
Jumel, Colonel Hooper, Orris McLellan, Captain Merrell, Mayor 
Capdevielle, President Wm. Mehle, of the City Council ; Mr. Mc- 
Cracken, Treasurer Pat McGrath, Mr. Couret, Mr. Kausler, 
Thee. S. Wilkinson, G. Cusachs, Prof. Fortier, Prof. Henry M. 
Gill and several others. 

MAYOR CAPDEVIELLE 

was the first speaker. His address was intended merely as intro- 
ductory to that of the orator of the day, Prof. Alcee Fortier, Pres- 
ident of the Historical Society. 

MAYOR CAPDEVIELLE SAID: 

“Your Excellencies, Your Graces, Gentlemen of the Army and 
Navy, Ladies and Gentlemen: At the request of the Historical 

Society, I take great pleasure m calling* this notable gathering to 
order. I need not say that 1 am greatly gratified at seeing here 
present so large, so representative and so distinguished a gather- 
ing, come to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the 
transfer of Louisiana from France to the United States. In be- 
half of the citizens of New Orleans, as well as of the Historical 
Society, I extend a cordial welcome to you, as representatives of 
the French and Spanish nations, to you from Canada, and to you 
who have come from our sister States in America, whose partici- 
pation in this event tends to add even greater luster. 

“I am not expected to make a formal address, but as Chief 
Executive of the Citv of New Orleans, I am here to welcome you 
into our midst, and to tell you of our happiness in meeting you. 
I hope your visit will be truly enjoyable, and if it must be for a 
comparatively short while, I ho-pe you will carry away with you 
pleasant recollections not of the celebration alone, but of the cor- 
diality and hospitality of the kindly people of New Orleans. 


53 


“And now I beg leave to introduce to you the orator of the 
day, a gentleman of learning and a scholar, a professor in Tulane 
University and President of the Louisiana Historical Society, 
Prof. Alcee Fortier." ~~ - -- 

* *r> . 

PROFESSOR FORTIER, 

as the orator of the occasion, spoke as follows : 

“Ladies and Gentlemen: By an act of the Legislature of our 

State, passed in 1900, the Louisiana Historical Society was au- 
thorized to prepare a suitable programme for the celebration, in 
December, 1903, of the centennial anniversary of the transfer of 
Louisiana to the United States. In 1902, on the recommendation 
of our patriotic Governor, the Legislature appropriated a certain 
sum of money to carry out the elaborate programme submitted 
by the Historical Society, and the City Council of New Orleans 
has lately done the same. One of the principal features of the 
programme was to be the opening of an historical exhibit. It 
was deemed highly appropriate, while the history of Louisiana 
was receiving eager attention all over the United States, that an 
opportunity be given our people to see the pictures of the men 
and women whose deeds formed our history, and to see also, in 
the words of contemporaries, the documents which relate that 
history. 

“It is eminently proper that this historical exhibit be held in the 
oldest historical building to be found in the whole territorv of the 
former province of Louisiana, a building which is a memento of 
the early years of New Orleans, and which has been hallowed by 
the presence within its walls of saintly nuns and venerated 
bishops. 

“Shortly after the foundation of New Orleans, Bienville, the 
wise Governor, endeavored to establish schools for the boys and 
the girls of the colony, and it was at his request that the Ursuline 
nuns came to Louisiana. O11 February 23, 1727, they started, a 
company of seven, from Lorient in Britany, with Marie Tranche- 
pain de St. Augustin as Mother Superior. They arrived at the Bal- 
ize at the mouth of the Mississippi, after a tiresome and perilous 
journey of five months, which Sister Madeleine Hachard has re- 
lated in a charming manner in her letters to her father. Her de- 
scription of New Orleans as it was in August, 1727, is very in- 
teresting. She says that the town is beautiful, well constructed 
and regularly built, that the streets are very wide, and the prin- 
cipal one is nearly a league in length. She adds that a song is 
sung publicly in which it is said that the city presents as fine an 
appearance as Paris. Sister Madeleinq .tells her father that she is 
not eloquent enough to convince him of all the beauty of the 
town, and that she finds some difference between New Orleans 
and Paris. With regard to the inhabitants she mentions that the 
ladies are dressed magnificentlv with stuffs of velvet or damask 
covered with ribbons, and, shall I say it, as elsewhere, make use 
of rouge and blanc and huouches’ or beauty spots. 





THE CABILDO AND SPEAKERS’ STAND, 
Saturday, December 19, 1903. 


55 


“The first residence of the nuns was Bienville's former house,, 
the most beautiful in the town, and situated in the block now 
bounded by Bienville, Chartres, Iberville and Decatur Streets. 
The convent, or permanent residence of the nuns, the building of 
which began in 1727, was situated at the other extremity ot the 
town. Governor Perier and his wife were very kind to the nuns,, 
and so was Rev. Father de Beaubois, the Superior of the few 
Jesuits who were then in New Orleans, and who was unremitting 
in his zeal for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the colonists. 
Instead of encouraging the young students of the Ursulines in 
their desire to become nuns, Father de Beaubois thought it would 
be better for them to become Christian mothers in order to estab- 
lish religion in the country by their good examples. To draw 
souls towards the Lord, such was the constant purpose of the 
Ursulines, and in our history we should always remember with 
gratitude 

THE EARLIEST TEACHERS 

of girls in Louisiana, the guardians of the little orphans, and the* 
tender nurses of the sick and the poor at the hospital. It was no 
doubt to the teaching of the good sisters that the ladies in Lou- 

o o 

isiana owed the singular elegance and refinement which were no- 

o o 

ticed by all travelers in the colonial days, and which has become 
the common heritage of the ladies of our days. 

“O11 July 17, 1734, the nuns took possession of their convent,, 
this present building. Mother Superior Tranchepain had died in 
November, 1733, but Madeleine Hachard, the pious and charm- 
ing woman whose letters form one of the most important his- 
torical documents for the study of our early history, lived till 
August 9, 1760. At that time the French domination in Louisiana' 
was coming to a close. From 1727 to 1760 many important 
events had taken place in our history. The Company of the In- 
dies had surrendered its charter, and Louisiana had become again 
a royal province ; Bienville had succeeded Perier as Governor,, 
and had been unsuccessful in his wars against the Chickasaws ; 
Vaudreuil, the ‘Grand Marquis/ had governed the province with 
pomp and dignity, and Kerlerec had been his successor. In 1760, 
at the time of Madeleine Hachard’s death, France had suffered 
greatly from the Seven Years’ War, and two years later Louis 
XV, the selfish and corrupt successor of the stately monarch for 
whom Louisiana had been named, ceded the whole province to 
his cousin, Charles III of Spain, an abler and a better ruler than 
the Bourbon of Versailles. 

“We need not relate the events which followed the attempt by 
the Spaniards to take possession of Louisiana : the devotion of the- 
colonists to France, and later the project of establishing a repub- 
lic on the banks of the Mississippi. The revolution of 1768 is a 
sacl and glorious event in our annals, and in the archives of the 
Ursuline Convent is chronicled the fact that, on Oct. 25, 1769, 
the chiefs of the insurrection of 1768 were shot in the yard of 
the barracks adjoining the convent. ‘It was/ says the chronicle,.. 


r r* 

5 o 


‘a terrible moment of anguish for the nuns. The report of fire- 
arms caused the windows of the chapel to shake, where had taken 
refuge the relatives of the victims, with whom the nuns prayed/ 
“Is it not interesting, ladies and gentlemen, to contemplate the 
building which held within its walls in colonial times the good 



GOVERNOR GAYOSO DE LEMOS, 

(From a Miniature in the Historical Museum.) 

sisters and their charming pupils, the grandmothers and mothers 
of our grandmothers, the building which was visited by the 
French Governors, and later by all the Spanish Governors? We 
like to portray the gentle Unzaga, the heroic Bernardo de Galvez, 
and the courtly Carondelet, as they stood where we are at present. 
We reach the first years of the nineteenth century, and from this 
-spot we hear the firing of cannon which announces the arrival in 


57 


New Orleans of Pierre Clement de Laussat, the French Colonial 
Prefect. By treaty Louisiana has become French once more, and 
the Marquis de Casa Calvo and Don Manuel de Salcedo 1 have 
been instructed to transfer the sovereignty of the province to the 
representative of Bonaparte, the First Consul of the French Re- 
public. 

“Let us now leave this building, let us run no Conde Street to 
the house of Laussat, and there let us enjoy his hospitality as he 
is acquainting himself with the country and the people whom he 
is to govern. On his arrival the Prefect issued a proclamation to 
the Louisianians announcing the retrocession of the province to 
France, and the inhabitants of New Orleans and the planters of 
Louisiana answered him with simplicity and dignity. They ex- 
pressed the pleasure they felt on becoming French again, but they 
said that the French Republic would attach less value to the hom- 
age of their fidelity if it saw them relinquish, without any senti- 
ment of regret, the sovereign who had lavished his favors upon 
them during the time he had reig ned over them. This kind 

REMEMBRANCE OF THE SPANISH DOMINATION 

was eminently just, for, from Unzaga to Salcedo, from 1770 to 
1803, the rule of the Spanish Governors had been mild and benefi- 
cent. 

“The second French domination in Louisiana was nor 
to be of long duration, for on April 30, 1803, Bona- 

parte ceded the immense colony to the United States. Living- 
ston and Monroe wisely treated for the cession of the whole 
province, although not instructed by their Government to do so. 
and President Jefferson, as a true patriot, approved an act which 
was to assure forever the greatness and power of the nation, and 
make our Louisiana enter the glorious Federal Union established 
by the men of the American Revolution. 

“Laussat, in New Orleans, was instructed to receive the sover- 
eignty of the province from Spain and to transfer it to the United 
States. At our old Cabildo, on November 30, 1803, ^ ie transfer 
from Spain to France took place. On the same day the Colonial 
Prefect and Commissioner issued a second proclamation to the 
Louisianians. He announced the cession to the United States, which 
he considered the precious pledge of the friendship which could 
not fail to grow from dav to day between the two republics, and 
which conferred upon the Louisianians the most eminent and most 
memorable of blessings. He called attention to the rights and 
privileges appertaining to a free government with which the Loui- 
sianians had been suddenly invested. He predicted that the Nile of 
America, the Mississippi, would soon see its bosom darkened 
with a thousand ships belonging to all the nations of the earth, 
and mooring at the quays of another Alexandria. He said finally 
that lie hoped the Louisianians would always distinguish with 
affection the French flag, and that their hearts would never cease 
to rejoice at the sight of its glorious folds. Allow me to say here. 


58 


ladies and gentlemen, in the presence of the distinguished Ambas- 
sador of the French Republic, that Laussat’ s hope has been 
realized. One hundred years have elapsed since the French flag 
was lowered from the staff erected in the Place d’Armes and the 
American banner took its place as the emblem of sovereignty, and 
yet the hearts of the Americans of to-day, descendants of the 
Louisianians of 1803, are always thrilled with pleasure at the sight 
of the banner of France. It reminds them of their ancestors, 
the pioneers on this soil, it reminds them of Lafayette and of 
Rochambeau, of Brandywine and of Yorktown. 

‘'After abolishing the Spanish Cabildo and appointing a Muni- 
cipal Council, of which Etienne de Bore was the head, Laussat 
gave, on December 1, in honor of the French flag, a magni- 
ficent dinner and a ball, which was opened with a 
minuet danced by the Marquis de Casa Calvo and 

Mme. Almonester. O11 December 8, the Spanish Mar- 

quis gave a ball in honor of Laussat, and on December 
16 the French Commissioner returned the compliment. His guests 
were- so delighted with his hospitality that they stayed at his 
house until half-past 9 in the morning. It is a pity that at the 
ball given so graciously yesterday by the ladies of the Louisiana 
Historical Society we did not follow the good example set a hun- 
dred years ago. We saw the minuet and the gavotte of 1803;: 
we admired young ladies who were as beautiful and as graceful 
as their great-grandmothers, a century ago, and we wished the 
ball of 1903 had lasted as long as that of 1803. Indeed, let us 
live for a moment in the past. 

“It is Sunday, December 18, 1803, and Laussat, accompanied by 
the Municipal Council and many notable persons, attends magnifi- 
cent services at the Cathedral. He enters the church between rowsoi 
Grenadiers, and great honors are rendered the representative of 
the French Republic. For the last time on Louisiana soil are 
heard the solemn words: ‘Domine, salvam fac Republican ! ; 

Domine, salvos fac Consules.’ At 2 o’clock the American Com- 
missioners, Claiborne and Wilkinson, are seen coming on the 
Levee, preceded by a detachment of Mississippi Volunteer 
Cavalry. They go to Laussat’s house, and arrangements are 
made for 

THE TRANSFER OF THE PROVINCE 

to the United States on December 20. 

“On Monday, December 19, at noon, the French Commissioner 
starts to return the visit of Claiborne and Wilkinson. Laussat 
wears a magnificent costume, and rides a beautiful horse splen- 
didly caparisoned, the Municipal Council and more tffan sixty 
persons accompanying the Commissioner to the American camp, 
situated two miles from the city. The weather is balmy and 
springlike, and continues to be so on Sunday, December 20, when 
the solemn act of transfer of Louisiana from France to the United 
States is accomplished. 


59 


“I shall not relate, ladies and gentlemen, the ceremonies which 
took place on that day. To-morrow, after rendering thanks to 
God in our historical Cathedral, we shall repeat somewhat the 
ceremonies of a hundred years ago. Our honored Governor and our 
honored Mayor will deliver addresses on December 20. In a few 
minutes we shall all go to our venerated Cabildo, and in front 
of that interesting edifice the Governor of our State will welcome 
the guests of Louisiana. It is my pleasant duty, as President of 
the Historical Society, which has prepared the programme of 
these centennial exercises, to welcome the visitors to this historical 
Museum, and I do so most cordially in the name of the Society. 

“As I have already said, around this building cluster recollec- 
tions of the greatest interest. Andrew Jackson, after the glori- 
ous battle of January 8, 1815, entered these portals to thank the 
nuns for their prayers in behalf of theJAmericans. The good Sisters 
left their first Convent in 1824, and this edifice lost for a short 
time its sacred character. It became the seat of the Legislature 
of Louisiana, and the honorable senators and representatives 
were doubtless inspired in their task of lawmaking by the remem- 
brance of the gentle and pious persons who had dwelt here for 
eighty-seven years. As the residence of bishops and archbishops, 
this old building regained its holy character, and it is to the en- 
lightened kindness of the authorities of this archdiocese that we 
are indebted for the permission of holding our exhibit here. 

“Our little museum contains mementoes of a number of years, 
but we wish to recall principally to-day the men and women of 
1803. Were they to revive, what marvels they would see! Their 
Louisiana now forms twelve States and two Territories of the 
American L T nion, and their little New Orleans is now the metropo- 
lis of our Southern country. So great has been the progress of 
the Province of Louisiana in a century that a wonderful World’s 
Fair is being prepared to celebrate that progress. 

“Well may we, ladies and gentlemen, thank the Almighty for 
the blessings which He has showered upon our fathers and upon 
us.” 

Governor Heard then stated that by request he was pleased to 

DECLARE THE HISTORICAL MUSEUM OPEN, 

desiring at the same time to congratulate the members of the 
Society upon their splendid work in thus showing that the relics 
of Louisiana’s history had been preserved to the extent that they 
had. 

Mayor Paul Capdevielle then read a telegram from the Presi- 
dent and Secretary of dhe Numismatic Society and Museum, of 
Montreal, congratulating the Society upon the formal opening 
of the Museum. 

After these ceremonies the signal for departure was given, and 
shortly before 8 o'clock the cortege formed, and the official 
party, preceded by the Governor, the representatives of FVance, 
Spain and the LTnited States and the distinguished guests, to- 


I 



Photo by P. Ernest Carriere . 

THE MILITARY REVIEW AT THE CABILDO, 

Saturday, December 19, 1903. 


amtamamammam 


61 


gather with the members of the Governor's staff, entered car- 
riages and were driven rapidly to the Cabildo, where the cere- 
monies were continued. 

One of the most notable features of the celebration was 
the Historical Museum, through the kindness of Archbishop' 
Chapelle, who allowed the members of the Society to utilize the 
old Ursuline Convent, which is now used by His Grace as an 
office building. 

Here the 

RELICS OF HISTORICAL LOUISIANA 

remained on exhibition for sixty days. The exhibits were in 
the two rooms of the lower floor, and were so arranged that some 
of the most striking were to be seen upon entering the place. 

THE CEREMONIES AT THE CABILDO. 

The front of the Cabildo was hung with American and French 
and Spanish flags and bunting, and the old Pontalba buildings 
were also decorated. 

The space in front of the Cabildo was roped off and kept clear 
before the speaking began, and the entrances to the building were 
reserved for those with admit cards to prevent crowding. The 
platform was outside the building in the center, and was an 
ordinary wooden structure covered with bunting and flags, with a 
small stand in the center for the speakers. On this platform all 
the distinguished official people who participated were assembled, 
just before one o'clock, carriages bearing the Governor and his 
staff, the Mayor and members of the City Council, Admiral Wise, 
and officers of the American Fleet, Captain Lemogne and the of- 
ficers of the French fleet, Ambassador Jusserand of France, 
Spanish Consul Tuero y O'Donnell, British Consul Hunt, Presi- 
dent Francis and members of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition 
Board of Directors and others came up Chartres Street. 

The occupants alighted ; the band played and there was great 
cheering. The party walked into the porch of the Cabildo, and 
Governor Heard accompanied some of the guests into the build- 
ing for a few moments that they might visit it. 

THE CONTINENTAL GUARDS, 

commanded by Captain Charles W. Drown and Major E. D. 
Beach, were in charge of the platform. 

Governor Heard was escorted to the platform by Chairman 
Zacharie. He was followed by members of his staff, the French: 
Ambassador, M. Jusserand, Mayor Capdevielle, President Wil- 
liam Mehle, of the City Council ; British Consul Hunt, Spanish 
Consul CTDonnell, Lieutenant Governor Estopinal, the French 
Consul General M. Pierre Richard and Vice Consul Daniour ; 
President D. R. Francis and twenty members of the Board of 
Directors of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, Admiral Wise 
and other officers of the American ships, Captain Lemogne and 1 


62 


officers of the French ship, Congressman Adolph Meyer, Charles 
F. Claiborne, Henry McCall, Collector of the Port of .New Or- 
leans; Prof. W. C. Stubbs, Louisiana Commissioner to the Expo- 
sition; E. B. Kruttschnitt, B. F. Jonas, President Alcee Fortier 
of the Louisiana Historical Society; Prof. John R. Ficklen and 
Prof. Lefevre, of Tulane L T niversity; Walter D. Denegre and 
others, 

Ex-Governor Francis T. Nicholls, Chief Justice of the Supreme 
Court, was one of the distinguished men on the platform. Theo- 
dore S. Wilkinson, a descendant of the famous General Wilkin- 
son, who participated in the transfer, was also there. 

Before the speaking began, the crowd cf citizens was admitted 
to the space in front of the platform, and entirely filled the asphalt- 
paved street which takes the place of the old cobblestone-covered 
way which had been for more than a century the pavement of the 
historic place. The old building is the only thing there that has 
not been touched by the hand of modern improvement. 

“The band played the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and at inter- 
vals during the ceremony repeated that air and other American 
and French and Spanish tunes. 

Chairman Zacharie introduced 

HON. W. W. HEARD, 

'Governor of Louisiana, who said : 

“Ladies and Gentlemen: — We are assembled here to celebrate 
the one hundredth anniversary of an event which all now recog- 
nize as one of the most important in the history of the American 
people. Here upon the spot where three nations met to transfer 
an empire, it is fitting that its centennial should be celebrated 
in a manner characteristic of that event itself. 

“The pages of history do not present an instance that I can 
recall where so vast a domain passed from one nation to another 
without bloodshed and suffering. 

“The expansion of nations and of races has been worked out 
upon the field of battle. Flags have been carried into other lands 
at the head of armies. The sword has carved out empires and 
blood has been the purchase price. But the event we celebrate 
was wrought out in peace. The representatives of the United 
States, of France and of Spain, with only respect and love in their 
hearts, and in a simple, manly fashion, perfected what their 
people desired. 

“When the old flag went down it was not in humiliation and 
disgrace, and when the new banner flung its folds to the breeze 
it was amid the plaudits of all. 

“The new subjects shed a tear, perhaps, for the fatherland, but 
they instantly rejoiced in the grasp of brotherly hands. There 
are no battle fields to remind us of defeat or victory. There are 
no mounds marking the spots where the 'soldiers sleep. There 
is not a single drop of American, or French, or Spanish blood 
upon their fair page of history. And so the representatives of 


63 


these countries can again assemble here to-day, not only without 
regret in their hearts, but proud of the deed, and can join with 
us in rejoicing over what has been done with the land they gave 
us and the people they committed to our care. 

“And now allow me to introduce to you the Honorable Am- 
bassador representing the Government of France upon this oc- 
casion. In the darkest hour of the Revolution the Americans 
found friends among the people of France, and the memory of 
Lafayette and Rochambeau will live forever in the hearts of free- 
men on this side of the Atlantic. The crowning act of repub- 
lican France in behalf of the young nation was the cession of 
this grand domain, the Louisiana Territory, which gave scope 
for the upbuilding of a great national structure spanning the 
continent. 

“Ambassador Jusserand, ladies and gentlemen.” 

AMBASSADOR JUSSERAND 

' 

was cheered heartily as he took \ his place to deliver his address. 
He spoke in French. At various, points he was applauded, and 
the address was a decided success. The translation is as fol- 
lows : - .. 

SPEECH BY THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR. 

.. •„ 1 . 

“It is for me a great honor to address youffn this beautiful city 
of New Orleans — French by name, French by origin, and perhaps 
I may be permitted to say, with something French also in her 
heart. 

“I think I can in truth speak thus, for to say so is to say nothing 
antagonistic to the town’s tried American loyalism; it is, on the 
contrary, to confirm it. Have not all American cities a feeling of 
sympathy for the ancient and valorous land that was the friend 
in dark days ? I do not know an American who has not in his 
innermost soul a friendly sentiment for France. The American 
who goes to France does not feel he is in a strange land; he 
finds himself surrounded with friends, and most natural he 
should ; we descend, you and we from those valiant ones who 

7 7 J 

fought shoulder to shoulder the good fight for national inde- 
pendence and for individual liberty. 

“A warm and tender remembrance cherished for the motherland 
of old, a sincere and tried loyalism for the American country — 
this sums up the history of New Orleans. No one can doubt it 
who remembers what, from the very first hour, you were able to 
accomplish, under the banner of Andrew Jackson, the soldiers 
and officers of the Creole regiment, on the 8th of January, 1815. 

“Once more, on that day was the good fight fought for the 
sacred cause of independence and it was fought to the sound of 
the “Marseillaise” and the “Chant du Depart.” 

“A few years ago die French;, Republic, decided to have new dies 
engraved for her coins. She applied to the master engravers of 
the day, and from their hands came forth wondrous pieces of 
work for the different coins. For one of the humblest of the 


64 


silver ones the order had been given to the celebrated engraver 
Hoty. The idea came to him to represent 

FRANCE AS A SOWER, 

sowing the seed by handfuls at sunrise. 

“The effect was instantaneous. The whole French nation recog- 



AMBASSADOR J. J. 


JUSSERAND 


* 


Who Represented France at the Celebration. 

nized and knew herself. Far be it from me to say that France 
disdains rich and abundant harvests ; but, and this be it said to 
her glory, better yet than to reap she likes to sow. France repre- 
sented as a reaper would have elicted no enthusiasm, but the sower 
won the enthusiasm of all. Every day the Sower is getting to 


65 


be more and more the classic emblem of the nation. She has 
passed from the small coins to the large ones, and from the coins 
to the postage stamps, and will go further yet. 

“In that image France recognized herself and rightly. All her 
past, her present, her future are there expressed in one gesture. 
Such she was, such she will ever be, “bon sang ne saurait men- 
tir.” From that hand, outstretched toward the rising sun, toward 
the eternal dawn of thought, have fallen some of the seeds the 
most productive that were ever sown. She has cast good seed 
to the wind and it has fructified. She sowed liberty, and liberty, 
has risen ; she sowed it in her own soil, she sowed it in the plains 
of America, in the valleys of Italy, in the fields of Greece, and 
elsewhere besides, and everywhere the seed grew. 

“What were Descartes, Pascal, Pasteur? What was Lafayette, 
that French soldier and American general? Each in his own 
way, like your immortal Washington, the model of all great citi- 
zens, they were sowers. They were not reapers ; if they reaped 
any harvest, it was a harvest of glory, of human gratitude — intan- 
gible possessions more precious than any others. 

“Of all the seeds, of all the pearls ever sown by France beyond 
her frontiers and the vast seas, none is more beautiful than your 
city, that pearl of the great river. She owes her existence to 
those valiant “coureurs de bois,” who in the seventeenth and 
eighteenth centuries descended the unknown and mysterious Val- 
ley of the Mississippi, dotting its course with French towns; 
among these men your 

BIENVILLE, THE MOST WORTHY 

of admiration, whom reverses could never discourage, and who 
kept unshaken in the midst of the greatest disasters his faith in 
the future. That worthy descendant of a family from Dieppe, 
then in Canada, one of the fourteen children of Charles Le Moyne — 
fourteen, of whom twelve were boys, of whom nine made their 
mark in history, of whom three died in battle, and three became 
governors of provinces ; that father of Louisiana founded upon 
what was then a desert shore, in houses "‘with log walls that were 
not snakeproof, bark roofs that were not rainproof,” what was 
one day to be your radiant city. Ten years after its foundation he 
heard with pride, sung about the streets of his town, a song in 
which it was said: “New Orleans is as fine as Paris.” 

“Gardens have replaced the forests; the “coureurs de bois” have 
ceased to “courir,” and have become planters, but their plucky and 
disinterested spirit survives. It survives among you, inspiring 
the master minds of this great republic, whose marvelous de- 
velopment is the admiration of the old world ; it survives also 
among us. When you read of African or Asiatic explorations 
accomplished by the modern French “coureurs de bois,” some of 
the humblest, some of the most illustrious origin, all animated 
with the same ardor, and so manv of whom died without a mur- 
mur, equal to your ancestors, bow to them in your thoughts, and 


66 


iecognize your brethren. Ever fertile, France produces other 
LaSalles and other Bienvilles. The great Sower still sows. 

“On the ceremony which unites us to-day everything has been 
or will be said with an eloquence which I cannot rival, and I 
spoke on the subject last spring among your brethren of St. 
Louis. 

“American brethren of New Orleans, I beg to bring you the 
greeting of the old mother country, who rejoices at your progress, 
at you peace, at your liberty, at your wealth; happy to think that 
you prosper, not without giving her a tender thought, under the 
shadow of the starry banner." 

In introducing 

THE SPANISH CONSUL HON. J. TUERO Y O'DON- 
NELL, 

who represented Spain, Governor Heard said: 

“It is my pleasure to introduce to you Mir. Consul TuerO 1 y 
O'Donnell, the representative of Spain. He speaks for the great 
mother of American nations ; for a people who have planted their 
religion, their language and their laws from the northern seas to 
Tierra del Fuego; for the nation that, jointly with France, turned 
over to our people this gem of the Mississippi Valley.' 

Mr. O'Donnell spoke in English. He was applauded for the 
sentiments regarding the relations between the two countries, and 
the people showed that they appreciated his friendly disposition. 
He said : 

“In rising to address you, I wish that I commanded a sufficient 
knowledge of the English language so that I might, on this oc- 
casion, fully and fitly express my sentiments. However, not 
being, nor having anv pretension to be a public speaker, even in 
my own native language, it stands to reason that even if I were, 
my oratorical resources would be much hampered by the emotion 
that possesses me this day, and especially within the precincts of 
this Cabildo, which calls back to every Spaniard's mind the vivid 
and bright recollection of Spain's glorious past. 

“And this is so, because the exploits, the achievements and 
heroic deeds of the Spanish discoverers, missionaries and soldiers, 
all of which are found so graphically recorded in the historical 
works of your immortal authors, such as Washington Trying, 
Prescott, Lowell and Ticknor, strongly appeal to my mind through 
their natural correlation. 

“You are all aware that the first man of the Caucasian race who 
first came across the ‘Father of Waters,’ your great Mississippi 
River, was Hernando de Soto, a Spaniard, the brave rival of 
Pizarro. That he, having gone through many forests, crossing 
rivers, climbing up mountains and surmounting great and in- 
numerable difficulties, without having at his command either 
bridges, roads or guides, this De Soto, with his followers, first 
came upon the Mississippi River, near where the city of Memphis 
to-dav stands, and that was on the 25th day of April, 1541. 


Furthermore, that after long and tedious journeys through the 
Arkansas Territory, he discovered the natural springs, known to 
our present generation as Hot Springs ; and, finally, he came 
across the Ouachita River, and returned to the Mississippi River, 
and there he died on the 21st day of May, 1542, making, as it 



CONSUL J TUERO Y O'DONNELL, 

Special Representative of Spain at the Celebration. 

were, the great river that he discovered, the choice for his last 
resting place. 

“In reading the history of this continent, every Spanish heart 
might well beat with pride for his motherland. 

“Of all the tongues spoken in Europe, Spanish was the first 
that resounded on the shores of this continent ; the cheermgs and 





G8 


exclamations that went forth from the caravels commanded by 
Columbus and the Pinzon brothers were uttered in the language 
of Cervantes when the Island of Guanahani was first sighted. 
It was in the Spanish speech that that immense body of water 
known as the South Sea was first hailed and saluted by that gal- 
lant sailor, Vasco Nunez de Balboa. The echoes of victory that 
traveled through the lakes of Amahuat, across the inaccessible 
Sierras of the Andes, through the virgin forests of the Floridas 
and Georgia first were sounded by Spaniards, such as Cortez, 
Pizarro and Hernando de Soto. Amid the clash of arms and 
the clamorings of greediness and the abuses of fanaticism, the 
Spaniard, upon this continent, was first in victory and first in 
the civilizing influences of the Gospel as voiced and taught by 
Frav Bartoleme de las Casas and many other missonaries, both 
by words and deeds worthy of the cause in which their whole 
heart lay embosomed. Last, but not least, it was in Spanish that 
the first narrations and diaries of the discoveries and conquests 
of all these lands of which I have just spoken were kept and made, 
and which are proving of such inestimable value for the acquisi- 
tion of a perfect knowledge of the spirit reigning among the 
daring pioneers of those times, whose achievements to us, to-day, 
seem almost fabulous. 

'‘Reverting to more modern times, that is, to the period during 
which Spain held dominion over the then vast extent of terri- 
tory that was the ‘Louisiana' of these days, it will no doubt be 
admitted by all fair and impartial judges of historical facts, that 
the . degree of development and prosperity attained by this de- 
pendency under the able administration of Unzaga, Galvez, Miro, 
Carondelet and other Governors, was, indeed, marked and sus- 
tained throughout. 

“Your great historian, Gayarre, says: 

O 7 m/ 7 

“ ‘That the Spanish administration of Louisiana was as popular 
as any in the world, and that any of his contemporaries would 
agree with him in declaring that in Louisiana no man who had 
lived under the Spanish rule had not described those days of 
colonial regime as ‘The Golden Aged 

“Upon here, and in this manner, giving the proper spirit of 
solemnity to- the event of this celebration, Spain had been 
graciously invited to participate at these 'festivals, in view, no 
doubt, of the fact that orior to the cession of the Louisiana Terri- 
tory to the United States, she had been the governing power 
here. And such was the understanding entertained by the 
worthy organizers of these festivals, who, thereupon, and to that 
end. sent their formal invitation to the Spanish Government to 
appoint a representative and to send here one of her warships to 
take part. Spain willingly granted both petitions, and by special 
decree. I had the honor to be appointed to represent Spain at these 
ceremonies. The warship was due here by the 17th ot Decem- 
ber. but, as luck would have it, she wdl not arrive until to-mor- 
row, owing to having met with very bad weather on her trip 
from Spain to Jamaica. 


69 


“Of course, it goes without the saying, that I could not ex- 
press to you with mere words my Government's disappointment 
at this untoward circumstance, which I likewise personally and 
most sincerely deplore. 

“Nevertheless, her being represented here through me cannot 
but demonstrate that the animosities engendered by the late con- 
flict have totally disappeared, and that at present America and 
Spain have a large sense of mutual respect and keener apprecia- 
tion of their common interests in the fields of trade and industry. 

“Spain, to-day, has but admiration and friendly feeling toward 
America. We watch with a sincere interest your great develop- 
ment, and try, as far as lies in our power, to imitate vour example 
by developing our natural resources, in order once more to occupy 
the place which our past history should vouchsafe to us in the 
future. 

“I will not leave this platform without first conveying to you mv 
heartiest congratulations for your many and great successes, it 
being my sincere wish to duly acknowledge the many marks of 
consideration shown me on this occasion, all of which I highly 
appreciate, and consider as the best testimony of the good feelings 
existing between America and Spain." 

Governor Heard then introduced 

ADMIRAL WISE, 

the official representative of the United States Government. “It 
is my pleasure, ladies and gentlemen," he said, “to introduce to 
you Admiral Wise, the representative of our own beloved Govern- 
ment, who will speak for one of the youngest of the family of 
nations, and yet one of the grandest and best of them all.” 

Admiral Wise spoke very briefly, yet caugh! the favor of the 
audience, as was evidenced by as hearty applause as was given to 
any of the distinguished speakers. He said that it was a high 
honor to represent the United States on such a great commemo- 
rative occasion, and he felt like the Prophet Daniel, who had not 
expected to be called upon to speak among the lions. I: would 
be presumptuous on his part to reiterate the fitting remarks that 
had already been made, and, too, it would be bad seamanship 
to take the wind out of his neighbors' sails. He expressed the 
purpose of the United States Government to co-operate in making 
the occasion of so much importance a complete success. The oc- 
casion, he said, commemorated the event which made it possible 
that our Government should become a world power. He con- 
cluded with an expression of the good wishes of the Federal 
Government. 

Governor Heard then introduced 

GOVERNOR FRANCIS, 

saying : 

“We have here, ladies and gentlemen, a distinguishe 1 citizen 
of Missouri, Lion. David R. Francis, one who has been honored 


70 


with the presidency of the great St. Louis Exposition, which is 
to celebrate this centennial in a thoroughly national manner. 

“Nowhere on the face of the earth has man done more to de- 
serve so fair a heritage as was that day transferred to our Re- 



EX-GOV. DAVID R. FRANCIS, 
President Louisiana Purehase Exposition. 


public, and where, ere another twelve months, there shall be as- 
sembled in the great central city of this Louisiana Territory all 
the products of the farm, the forest, the factory and the mines ; 
where the visible, tangible results of their labor and their faith 


71 


shall be presented to the world for inspection. It will be a 
demonstration of what freemen can do and of which all mankind, 
in every land, should be proud/’ 

Governor Francis spoke as follows : 

“What a wonderful century we are rounding out by this centen- 
nial celebration. What marvelous development and growth have 
characterized the too years during which this territory has exis- 
ted, under the inspiring and broadening influences of self-govern- 
ment. One hundred and eighty years of barbarism elapsed be- 
tween the discovery of the Mississippi and the first attempt at a 
settlement upon its banks. One hundred and seventy-six years 
drew T out- their weary length between the crossing of the Father 
of Waters by De Soto and the first settlement upon the spot 
w T here we now stand. Almost another one hundred years rolled 
around after the founding of New Orleans before that “deed of 
the pen" by which a mighty empire was transferred from France 
to the United States. During that cycle there was a half century 
of French rule, and also an almost equal period of Spanish domi- 
nation. The transfer of jurisdiction, whose iooth anniversary 
we now commemorate, was the unexpected result of an effort to 
secure possession only of the Island of New Orleans. The time 
of that transfer was forty years after Laclede had landed upon the 
site where now stands the sister city of New Orleans, St. Louis. 
The significance and far-reaching results of Jefferson's purchase 
had been but inadequately appreciated until the steps taken for 
the celebration of its acquisition attracted the attention of all the 
people and of the world to its unparalleled progress in the century 
whose end is now reached. St Louis gladly joins with New 
Orleans in the imposing ceremonies of this occasion, and will con- 
tribute what she can to the glorification of her elder sister, whose 
welfare she holds in the highest esteem. 

The celebration here so auspiciously begun and so successfully 
launched, will be continued through a period of nearly twelve 
months. St. Louis is making persistent effort and comprehensive 
preparations to the end that the expectations of the world may 
not be disappointed, and entertains the hope that Louisiana and 
every section of the transmississippi country and of the Missis- 
sippi Valley as well, may cherish a proprietary interest in the fit- 
ting commemoration of an event fraught with so much signifi- 
cance, not only to the Government under which we live, but to 
the whole human race.. 

THE CENTURY JUST ENDED. 

is incomparable in industrial advancement. Its achievements in 
science have only one parallel in all the. ages that have gone be- 
fore, and that was the invention of the printing press. Since the 
transfer of the jurisdiction of this sacred structure and the unfurl- 
ing of the Stars and Stripes upon the island of New Orleans, 
steam has been applied to navigation and to transportation over- 
land, with all of their untold and incalculable benefits. The magic 


72 

power of electricity has been harnessed and utilized, under sea 
as well as on land — and all of this accomplished by our own 
countrymen. While no single section of the Union can lay ex- 
clusive claim to these achievements, their beneficent results have 
aided immeasurably in the development of the territory whose 
acciuisition we celebrate. 

A. 

Occasions of this character incite reminiscences, but 
it is not inappropriate at this time to look forward, 

nor is it inopportune to forecast future developments. 
We live in the present ; we cherish the past, but we plan for to- 
morrow. It would be idle to measure the achievements of the 
next century. Wonderful as have been the developments and re- 
sources of the Louisiana Purchase, who can say that those of the 
next five decades will not surpass those of the last ten in all that 
goes to make up the wealth and power of a people? The atten- 
tion and interest of the Eastern sections of our country were never 
so intently fixed upon the West and South and their boundless 
resources as they have been since this celebration was planned. It 
is within the memory of many in this assemblage that railroad 
communication was established with the Pacific Coast, and it is 
within a very few years that our trade relations have assumed ap- 
preciable proportions with the Orient. The mingling of the 
waters of the Atlantic and the Pacific through the canal soon to 
be constructed, will mark the beginning of a new epoch in the 
commerce of the world. The half a dozen great railway systems 
that now connect the Mississippi River with the Pacific Ocean 
may be duplicated, and doubtless will be during the life of the 
present generation. The mighty river that flows by your doors 
and ours, 'the demand for whose free navigation resulted in the 
Louisiana Purchase, can no longer be neglected. The protection 
of its banks is demanded, not only by their enormous products, 
but by the commerce of the great commonwealths whose shores 
it washes. 

If the celebration upon which we have here entered has the effect 
of giving the country a large and just appreciation of the needs 
and merits of the West and South, two decades will not have 
passed ere New Orleans and St. Louis will be brought still closer 
together by water connection, whose channel will at all seasons 
carry a minimum depth of 20 feet. Such a consummation is 
devoutly to- be wished. 

This celebration, however, has 

A BROADER SIGNIFICANCE 

than its effect upon our own country, extensive and productive as 
it is. The participation in these ceremonies of the two European 
countries to which the Louisiana Territory formerly acknowl- 
edged allegiance, is gratifying in the highest degree, not only to 
those sections here represented, but to every State and Territory 
in the American Republic. The kind and helpful interest in the 
Louisiana Purchase Centennial that is being manifested b i - almost 

o j 


73 


every country in Europe and in Asia, and in North and Central 
and South America, is a compliment which we shall ever hold in 
grateful remembrance, and is an unmistakable evidence of the 
obliteration of unfriendly memories and of the growth of the 
fraternal sentiment. 

The celebration upon which we have entered will prove a valu- 
able peace congress. It will soften rivalries, remove antagonisms 
and diminish the circumference of the globe. It will bring into 
closer relation the people of diversified interests and different 
races, and result in enhancing their mutual esteem, which will be 
followed by increased commerce, eventually in mutual benefit. 

You of New Orleans remember that when five years ago, on 
January io, 1899, there assembled in St. Louis a convention of dele- 
gations from the States and Territories of the Louisiana Purchase, 
there was unanimity of sentiment that that centennial should be 
fittingly commemorated, and an enthusiastic determination that 
such a celebration should be in keeping with the great event. 
The decision of that Convention that the responsibility of the 
undertaking should mainly devolve upon the city of St. Louis 
was greatly the result of the magnanimous action of New Orleans, 
the one which had for so many years been its leading metropolis, 
and about which so many sacred memories cling. 

It is idle to speculate as to what would have to-day been the 
population and wealth of this great city of the South if it and 
the country tributary to it had not gone through the baptism of 
fire from '6i to ’65. It is a source of sincere felicitation enter- 
tained by St. Louis and by every hamlet throughout the land that 
you have survived the trials and sacrifices of that lamentable period 
and the times that followed it, and are to-day abreast of the fore- 
most in all that goes to constitute a progressive and public-spirited 
community and an enterprising city. You deserve the congratu- 
lations of all right-thinking people for the broad lines upon which 
you have opened this celebration ; you have risen to the full 
measure of its import, and realized its comprehension. 

The prompt and liberal manner in which 

LOUISIANA RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL 

of St. Louis to participate in the universal exposition which will 
round out this celebration indicates an appreciation of its scope 
and out of the great labor it entailed. That response will not be 
. forgotten. I bespeak for St. Louis a continuation of the encour- 
aging aid you have extended up to this time. And as we feel a 
<lue share of the responsibility in these ceremonies, we trust you 
will never be unmindful of the duty you owe to the undertaking 
of your sister city. 

In conclusion, I trust you will not consider it improper of me, 
on behalf of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, to which the 
Federal Government and nearly all of the States and Territories 
of the Union are contributing so generously, to join in the wel- 
come New Orleans has so gracefully extended to the distin- 


74 


guished representatives of foreign countries who honor us with 
their presence, and to express the hope that St. Louis may, during 
the coming year, have the pleasure of entertaining those guests 
and many more from the countries whence they came, as well 
as an unnumbered host from all other countries. We ask them 
and you to favor us with your presence. Ample preparations 
are made for the accommodation of all. The universal exposi- 
tion, of which these ceremonies are the exordium, will be an epi- 
tome of the material progress and the development of thought 
of the world. It will demonstrate what an intelligent, free people 
can accomplish in a hundred years. It will perform the service 
of a transformer by which the thought and energies can be direc- 
ted into the line of the greatest utility and the greatest benefit to 
the human race." 

The band played '‘The Star-Spangled Banner," Chairman 
Zacharie announced that the speaking was over and that lunch 
would be served to the guests in the library of the Supreme 
Court in the Cabildo. 

All the guests, members of the Governor's staff and other dis- 
tinguished people crowded into the library. A lunch of cakes and 
champagne was served, the ladies of the Historical Society and 
the committee in charge attending to the wants of the guests. It 
was entirely informal. 

CHIEF JUSTICE NICHOLLS 

said that he was glad to speak to the assembled guests. The 
justices were in the habit of meeting there, but not in that way. 
He most cordially greeted all visitors, and he hoped that all 
would respond to the invitation of Governor Francis to meet at 
St. Louis, and that they would meet here again some time, but 
not a hundred years from now. He drank the health of all the 
gentlemen and ladies present. 

Other justices were present at the lunch. The Governor and 
distinguished guests remained at the Cabildo until after the 
parade passed, and the Governor reviewed it from the stand in 
front of the building. All of the naval officers and distinguished 
foreigners were present, and Archbishop Chapelle graced the 
company. . . - 

THE FRENCH OPERA AT NIGHT. 

The French Opera House was a scene of gayety and anima- 
tion, but it was different from the event of the previous evening. 
Instead of a grand historical ball, with stately dames and beau- 
tiful young ladies in the costumes of the last century, and in 
place of the old-fashioned dances, the gavotte and minuet, there 
was presented an operatic performance in honor of the current 
celebration. 

Every seat in the parcjuette, in boxes and baignoires and loges 
grillees was occupied, and when the hour drew nigh at which the 
performance was to begin, the theatre seemed like a garden in 


75 


fairyland, so numerous and bright were the uniforms of the vari- 
ous naval and military guests. 

The Reception Committee of the Louisiana Historical Society, 
Charles T. Soniat, Chairman, escorted the guests as they came 
in and seated them in the open boxes of the amphitheatre, of 
which thirty had been especially reserved for that purpose. 

While the orchestra, directed by M. Lagye, was playing a 
march, the distinguished guests were placed as follows : In box 

No. 2 5, Captain Lemogne, of the French cruiser ; Hon. Pierre 
Richard, French Consul, with Governor Heard and President 
Alcee Fortier ; box No. 26, Admiral Wise and three American 
naval officers ; box No. 24, Ex-Governor Francis, with Mayor 
Capdevielle and two State staff officers ; box No. 22, Captain Bled, 
of the French cruiser, and three of his officers; box No. 20, Cap- 
tain Merrill, commanding the United States Naval Station, and 
three United States naval officers ; box No. 23, General Allen 
Jumel, General John Glynn, Jr., two staff officers; box No. 19, 
Colonel H. M. Adams, Captain C. S. Bromwell, Captain J. E. 
Bloom, U. S. A., and members of the City Council ; box No. 16, 
Hon. F. T. Nicholls, Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court; 
Judges Don A. Pardee and Charles Parlange, of the United 
States Circuit and District Courts; Judge A. B. Routhier, of 
Canada; box No. 12, Hon. J. Y. Sanders, Lieutenant Governor 
Albert Estopinal, General Adolph Meyer, Hon. R. C. Davey. 

Five boxes were reserved for the members of Ex-Governor 
Francis’ party, from St. Louis. 

M. Jusserand, the French Ambassador, occupied Mr. Walter 
D. Denegre’s box with that gentleman and a few friends. 

The performance was excellent in many respects. The artists 
were on their mettle because of the presence of the officers of the 
French warship cruiser, who reminded them of the mother coun- 
try. Mme. Bressler-Gianoli as Carmen, M. Mikaelly as Don 
Jose, M. Montfort as Escamillo and Mme. Mikaelly-Duperret as 
Micaela sang with entrain and displayed their best talent. They 
reaped an abundant harvest of applause. 

During the second and the fourth acts the corps du ballet 
danced, first a Spanish and next a French pas de danse, which 
were enthusiastically applauded. 

At the conclusion of the last act, the fourth, a grand allegorical 
tableau was presented. First appeared an immense Spanish flag, 
taking up the whole front of the stage, and it was raised to a suf- 
ficient height to allow the audience to see the grouping of the 
tableau. In the center of the stage stood the orchestra of the 
American ship Hartford. To the right and to the left were 
grouped a number of marines from the American vessels. The 
band played a Spanish national air, and as the flag-curtain went 
up another slowly descended, revealing the colors of France. “La 
Marseillaise'’ was played. The whole audience rose and remained 
standing in compliment to the officers and men of the French 
cruiser. 


76 


Then the French flag- uprose, and, behind it, the Stars and 
Stripes fluttered down to within seeing distance, and just back 
of the flag there appeared an allegorical group of France, Spain 
and the United States, each nation being represented by a hand- 
some woman dressed in the costumes of the respective countries, 
and holding in her hand the flag of the nation she impersonated. 

“La Marseillaise" was again played, and then “Hail Colum- 
bia" amidst uproarious applause. The tableau or grouping be- 
gan slowly to ascend, thus completing the apotheosis of the three 
nations. 



Ceremonies of Sunday, December 20, 1903 — Solemn. 
High Mass and Te Deum at the Cathedral — 
Repetition at the Cabildo of the 
Transfer of 1803. 

HIGH MASS IN THE CATHEDRAL. 

The Cathedral, in its decorations within and without,, 
told the story of the century milestone that had been reached in 
the history of Louisiana as part and parcel of this great Republic. 
The entire facade presented a patriotic display of Hags of all na- 
tions, hung in beautiful array from the great cathedral doorway 
clear across the street, on either side, to the Cabildo and old 
Spanish Courthouse. Just above the great arched central portal 
hung the flags of the three dominations which Louisiana suc- 
cessively knew and recognized — Lrance, Spain and the United 
States. The latter ensign towered high over all, marking the 
glorious event around which the day’s celebration revolved. Just 
above the main entrance there hung conspicuously a magnificent 
shield, with the significant inscription in Latin, “Mutantur Im— 
peria, Ecclesia Durat,” which being translated means, “Empires 
or governments change, but the Church endures.” 

All down the aisles hung the flags of the nations, culminating 
towards the sanctuary with the flags of Lrance and Spain and 
the shields of these countries. Above the altars was draped the 
flag of the United States, and this patriotic drapery also hung 
gracefully about the archiepiscopal throne. Garlands of red,, 
white and blue were suspended across the arched aisles, and at 
every column hung the flag of Louisiana, with its beautiful and 
appropriate emblem, the pelican feeding 1 its young. 

Thus arrayed, the Cathedral awaited the coming of the distin- 
guished persons who had gathered in the city in honor of the 
day. Such a gathering had seldom before been seen within these 
dim gray walls. And when from the ancient presbytery nearby 
there issued the imposing cortege of priests and bishops and 
acolytes, bearing incense and golden cross and waxen tapers, and 
passed down the aisle to the brilliantly illuminated sanctuary, the 
scene seemed like a picture of the olden crusades dropped down 
into the lap of the twentieth century. The light, the coloring, 
the rich setting, the groups of priests and acolytes, in cassocks' 
and berettas ; bishops, in royal purple, with miters and gilded 
croziers; the Archbishop, in his flowing robes of silk; the Navy 


78 


and diplomatic corps, in full regalia, all made up a scene grand, 
imposing and memorable in its historic features. 

Just before the sanctuary were the seats reserved for 



ARCHBISHOP P. L. CHAPELLE, 

Celebrant of the Centennial Mass. 

the Governor and staff, the Diplomatic Corps, Judges of the 
Supreme Court and the officers of the visiting men-of-war. 
Presently Governor Heard entered with the French Ambassador, 
J. J. Jusserand, and Mayor Capdevielle, Sehor J. Tuero y O'Don- 



79 


nell, Spanish Consul, and the French Consul, General Richard. 
They were followed by Captain Lemogne, commanding the 
French cruiser Jurien de la Graviere ; Admiral Wise, of the Min- 
neapolis, and Captain Manx, Judge Routhier, of the Exchequer 
Court of Canada ; Sir E. Taschereau, of the Supreme Court of 
Canada ; Ex-Governor D. R. Francis, of St. Louis, President of 
the Louisiana Purchase Exposition ; Captain Wilmer, of the 
Topeka; Adjutant General Jumel, General Cottraux, General 
George Booth, Colonel Maunsell, Colonel Perilliat, Colonel Har- 
ris, Colonel McLellan, Colonel Hayes, Colonel Hooper, Colonel 
Story, Colonel Generelly, Colonel Andrews, Colonel O. McLel- 
lan, Major Thompson, Major Fayssoux, • Major Sinnott, Major 
Isaacson, Major Buddecke, Major Cobb, Colonel George Kausler, 
of the Governor's Staff ; Hy. McCall, Collector of the Port ; Baron 
von Meysenburg, German Consul ; Mr. Charles F. Claiborne, 
grandson of the first American Governor of Louisiana ; Com- 
mander Merrell, of the Naval .Station ; Commander I. Wallace 
Bostick, of the Naval .y Reserves ; Mr. Walter Denegre, 
Collins Thompson, L. D. Dozier, James F. Coyle, Ali- 
gustus B. Hart, Nicholas M. Bell, Theodore Hardee, 
Secretary to President Francis, of the Purchase Exposi- 
tion; Judge Wilbur F. Boyle, J. J. Schotten, J.- H. 
Frederichs, John Schroerf, John B. David, Jules Boeufve, W. T. 
Haarstitch, Francis Hirshberg, Auguste Gehner, W. F. Nolker, 
August B. Henry, of the St. Louis Purchase Exposition; M. 
Damours, Vice-Consul of France; Bernado- Diaz Albertini ; Jus- 
tice Francis T. Nicholls, Judge Charles Parlange, Justice Frank 
A. Monroe, Justice Jos. A. Breaux, Judge W. B. Som- 
merville, Hon. William F. Mehle, President of the City 
Council; Hon. Samuel L. Gilmore, the staffs of the French 
cruisers and the American men-of-war and other invited guests. 
President Alcee Fortier, of the Louisiana Historical Society, and 
members of the various committees, members of the Society, la- 
dies and gentlemen, occupied seats directly in front of the sanc- 
tuary. 

As the majestic procession of Ambassador and Governor and 
men distinguished in civil life entered the edifice the Committee 
courteously parted ranks to receive them. The officials were fol- 
lowed by the brilliant procession of clergy. As it passed down 
the aisle the cross-bearers and 1 acolytes led the way, followed by 
the long line of priests, and then by Right Rev. Abbott Paul 
Schauble, O.B.S., of St. Joseph’s Monastery ; Very Rev. J. M. 
Laval, of the Cathedral, attended by Revs. F. Anselm and Wid- 
mer, O.S.B. ; Right Rev. G. A. Rouxel, Auxiliary Bishop of New 
Orleans, attended by Very Rev. Father Larkin; Right Rev. E. 
P. Allen, Bishop of Mobile, attended by Very Rev. P. M. Mas- 
sardier and Very Rev. T. J. Weldon, C.M. ; Right Rev. T. Hes- 
lin. Bishop of Natchez, attended by Very Rev. D. J. Spillard, 
C.S.C., and Very Rev. D. Spillard, C.S.C., deacons of honor. 

There were present in the sanctuary Rev. Fathers Maesser, 


4 



K. ' :■ 

I 


~ss85Ssfe 


■:. ...•■ 


Copyright Photo by J. N. Teoniseon, Official Photographer. 

PONTIFICAL HIGH MASS IN THE ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL. 


Sunday, December 20, 1903 



81 


O. S. B. ; Rev. C. McLeod, C.M. ; Very Rev. Thomas J. Weldon, 

C.M. ; Rev. J. M. T. Massardier; Very Rev. J. Guendling, 

C. SS.R.; Wry Rev. D. J. Spillard, C.S.C. ; Rev. L. E. Green, 
S.J. ; Rev. D. Kaillard, C. S. C. ; Rev. F. H. Casgrain ; Rev. J. 
F. Reynaud ; Rev. E. J. Brennan, Chaplain of the United States 
Ship Hartford; Rev. J. J. Helinski, C.M. ; Rev. Father Larkin, 
S.M. ; Rev. E. P. Guevmard, S.M. ; Rev. R. Powers, of St. 
Michael's Church; Rev. W. J. Gibbons, of Jefferson College; 
Rev. T. H. Boutell, S.J. ; Rev. D. D. Hutchinson, S.J. ;.Rev. D. 

D. Hutchinson, S.J. ; Rev. J. McKervey, S.J. ; Rev. J. M. Cronin. 
S.J. ; Rev. M. J. Le Sage, C.M. ; Rev. J. H. Stritch, S.J. ; Rev. 

E. de la Moriniere, S.J. ; Rev. L. M. Roth, of Kenner ; Rev. D. 

P. Lawton, S.J. ; Rev. William J. Vincent, of the Cathedral ; 
Rev. Jeanmard, of the Cathedral. Most Rev. P. L. Chapelle, 
Archbishop of New Orleans and Apostolic Delegate to Cuba and 
Porto Rico, and lately to the Philippine Islands, robed in full 
pontificals, was the last to enter the sanctuary. 

THE ARCHBISHOP PONTIFICATED. 

He was assisted by Very Rev. H. C. Maring, S. J., and Very 
Rev. M. S. Ryan, as Deacons of Honor; Very Rev. J. M. Laval, 
as Assistant Priest ; Very Rev. P. Scotti was the Deacon of the 
Mass, and Rev. P. L. Castel, the Subdeacon; Rev. Father Le 
Sage, C M., and Rev. J. M. Jeanmard, of the Cathedral, were 
the Masters of Ceremonies. 

The minor offices at the mass were filled by students from the 
Diocesan Seminary and the acolytes corps was composed of the 
regular altar boys of the Cathedral. The following is the entire 
list : 

Acolytes — Bookbearer, Mr. Lebert ; Candle-barer, Mr. Ryan ; 
Crosier-bearer, Mr. J. Rousseau ; Miter-bearer, Mr. M. Gia- 
mona ; Thurifer, Mr. Karl Kohnke ; Candle-bearers, Masters 
Robert Aupiea and Emile Fenasci; Crucifer, Mr. Brindjonc; 
Robert Aupied, Emile Fenasci, Frank Fenasci, Christian Jacob, 
John Cresson, John Finney, Sydney Grisai, Charles Roudanez, 
Alfred Leefe, Jules Brana, Jacob Hauser, Karl Kohnke, Louis 
Perez, E. Fossier, F. Leefe. 

The singing was of an order seldom, if ever before, heard in 
the Cathedral, famous as it is for its beautiful music. The regu- 
lar Cathedral Choir was assisted by volunteers from the Jesuits’ 
and other choirs, as well as by several members of the French 
Opera troupe. As the procession entered the Church the Choir 
burst into the grand strains of Hummers “Hallelujah,” the solos 
af which were beautifully sung by Miss Corinne Bailey. The 
“Kyrie” of the mass was from Cimarosa’s “Military Mass,” anu 
was sung by the Cathedral Quartette. The “Credo” was from 
Gounod's “Mass of St. Cecilia,” and the solos were by the Jesuits 
Church Quartette. At the “Sanctus” of Gounod, Mr. Gauthier, 
©f the French Opera, sang the solos. At the “Agnus Dei,” by 
Bizet, the soprono solo was sung by Mme. Packbiers, chanteusc 


82 


legere of the French Opera troupe, with harp accompaniment by 
Miss Helen Pitkin, and cello by Mr. Mona. A soulful cello solo 
was given by Mr. Auguste Baer, cellist of the French Opera 
troupe. 

The sermon was preached by 

REV. FATHER DE LA MORINIERE, 

Himself a Louisianian and a child of the City ot the Purchase, Fa- 
ther de la Moriniere could enter into the theme as few could ; his 
discourse showing the work of the Church in the upbuilding and 
christianizing of the children of the primeval forests, and as 
counsellors and helpers of the sturdy band of pioneers who 
dotted the land of the Purchase with the emblem of Christianity 
from the gulf to the Great Lakes, together with his prayer of 
thanksgiving, was one of the most stirring sermons ever heard 
in the old Cathedral. Father de la Moriniere spoke as follows: 

“It is singularly appropriate, and in striking and touching 
harmony with the traditions and early chronicles of Louisiana 
that the Catholic Church should claim a right royal share in this 
day's rejoicing’s, shed the halo of her sacred presence upon this 
gathering of noble men and noble women, and consecrate by the 
splendor of her ceremonies and the magnificence of her ritual 
our loyal endeavors to celebrate, as it deserves, the one hundredth 
anniversary of our transferred allegiance from the tricolor of 
France to the Stars and Stripes of the United States of America. 

-A. 

For none but the wilfully blind or unaccountably ignorant can 
fail to catch glimpses of her authority, mark her activity and 
trace her influence on our coast already in the dawn of those cen- 
turies of colonization which preceded the consummation which 
we now commemorate. 

“It: was her Palladium raised in hope and confidence over the 
head of the daring explorer that made unflinching his resolve, un- 
yielding his nerve, stout his heart, strong his arm and unwaver- 
ing his step in his irksome march and perilous enterprise. It 
was her ministering care that smoothed his path and softened his 
hardships. It was her voice crying onward and forward that 
urged him on when faltering nature whispered halt and rest. It 
was the light of that divine faith which she flashed along his 
dismal way which scattered the shadows conjured up so often 
by despondency and despair. It was the lofty and supernatural 
aim that she held before his eager gaze that transformed his 
mission into an apostolate. It was her hands clasped in sup- 
plicating prayer that crowned his efforts seemingly unavailable 
and ultimate and unlooked-for success. It was her selfless de- 
votion which oft shielded him from harm, and encompassed him 
by night and day, through flood and field, the trackless waste and 
stormy sea, like a mother's unspoken benediction. It was the 
welcomed consciousness that she would be at his side, within his 
reach, in the person of her minister ready to strengthen him if he 
grew faint, to cheer him if he drooped, to> shrive him if lie fell 


83 


and to open Heaven to him if he died, which gave to many a 
youth born and bred in luxury, basking in the sunshine of com- 
fort and the smiles of fortune, the courage to leave home and 
native land, sever the strongest ties of blood and friendship, fore- 
go the laughter, of mirth and the gay revels of ancestral halls, in 
order to brave the baneful effects of unwholesome climes, plow 
the broad bosom of the ocean and, in frail bark canoes, the un- 
friendly surface of inland lakes ; plod over the Indian trail 
through summer's blistering rays and winter's ice-laden blasts ; in 
a word, to dare the deeds and achieve the feats which have ren- 
dered famous, in the bead-roll of the world's heroes, the names 
of not a few among the earlv 

PIONEERS OF OUR CHERISHED LOUISIANA. 

"‘But alas and alack! The jaundiced eye of prejudice has not 
failed to look askance at the motives which prompted the mon- 
archies of Spain and France to spread the fold of their flag over 
portions of far-off lands and dispatch armed bands to tread the 
great arteries of our continent. A popular writer did not scruple 
to speak of the wild and predatory nature of those expeditions 
which added large possessions to the impoverished exchequers of 
the distant and greedy rulers, and of the heroic explorers them- 
selves as an unbridled and unprincipled horde, delighting in 
roving incursions and extravagant exploits, and in whose eyes 
no gain was so glorious as the cavalgada of spoils and captives 
driven in triumph from a plundered province, while religion her- 
self was branded as lending her aid to satisfy these ravaging pro- 
pensities. We are asked to believe that it was the spirit of Span- 
ish chivalry, which, bred up to daring adventure and heroic 
achievements, and ill-brooking the tranquil and regular pursuits 
of common life, panted for new fields of romantic emprise, that 
sent the Castilian cavalier to the caravel of the discoverer, and 
not this longing to do- veoman's service in the cause of God and 
the propagation of the faith, On the other hand, an unsuspect- 
ed author has boldlv declared that it would not be giving a fair 
view of the great object proposed bv the Spanish sovereigns in 
their schemes of discovery to omit one which was paramount to 
all the rest. And what is that ? The spreading of Christianity 
and the conversion and civilization of a simple people. This 
statement of Prescott, in a well known work, is substantiated by 
facts than which, as we are aware, nothing is more stubborn. 
In a letter indited as far back as 1521, Ponce de Leon, of Flori- 
da fame, informs his august patron and master that he returns' 
to that island if it be God's will to settle it, ‘that the name of 
Christ may be praised there and Your Majesty served with the 
fruit that land produces.' In no other vein is couched the Kingks 
patent to Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon in 1523, two years after: 
‘Our primal intent in the discovery of new lands is that the na- 
tives thereof be brought to the truth of our holy Catholic faith, 
become Christians and be saved ; and this is the chief motive you 


84 


are to hold in this affair, and to this end it is proper that reli- 
gious persons should accompany you.” It is the chief condition 
of the King’s grant to Hernando de Soto in 1538, “that he should 
carry and bear with him the religious and priests who shall be 
appointed by us for the instruction of the natives of that prov- 
ince in our holy Catholic faith.' 

“Small wonder, then, that side by side with that noble knight 
and true Christian whose mortal remains rest in peace within 
that oaken trunk scooped out by his companions, and by them 
sunk many fathoms deep in the bed of the Mississippi ; small 
wonder that side by side with Hernando De Soto, on the un- 
known and hitherto unexplored soil of Louisiana, stands the min- 
ister of Christ and the annointed representative of the Church. 
The hood and the cowl and the robe of brown or gray mingle 
their sombre hue with the refulgent brightness that shoots and 
glances from the burnished armors and polished weapons of the 
sons of Spain. Throug:h the long vistas* of slender pines and 
stately oaks 

THE CROSS IS HELD ALOFT 

above the sweeping pageantry of iron heels and guilded spurs. 
The pennant of Castile is seen fluttering low before the emblem 
of salvation. A trumpet signal, and the plumed and crested 
warriors give willing knee to the adorable host of the eucharistic 
sacrifice offered by the officiating priest at an improvised altar, 
reared beneath the swaying boughs of that vast sylvan solitude. 

“And if we pass the Spanish hidalgo to the French 
chevalier everywhere, the scene is the same. From the Gulf of 
Mexico to the lakes of Canada and the headwaters of the St. 
Lawrence, religion and chivalry, gowned priest and belted knight, 
marching hand in hand to the conquest, civilization and evan- 
gelization of new worlds. The merry ringing, for a whole day, 
of the Quebec, in 1675, the soulful chanting of the ‘Te Deunr by 
the bishop, the clergy and entire population because the Jesuit 
Marquette had discovered the mouth of the giant river which 
fertilizes these shores, besides telling us how our European 
fathers deemed it their first duty to give thanks to the divine 
Arbiter of human destiny for whatever success attended their 
perilous efforts in the toils and hardships of exploration, voice in 
language more impressive and more grandly eloquent than hu- 
man speech the most gifted can ever hope to command, the deep 
concern of the Catholic Church in every befalling of the nascent 
colony, and the close interweaving of their common interests. 
In tones no less, nay still more striking, is the same truth pro- 
claimed by the exultant strains of that mighty chorus of praise 
to the Most High, which, on the night of January, 1682, leaped* 
to the starlit sky from the throats of noble and plebean, priest 
and soldier, shook the leafy walls of nature’s temple, and startled 
the slumbering echoes of a Louisiana wilderness when Robert 
Cavelier de la Salle, in the name of the most puissant, most in- 


85 


vincible and victorious Prince, Louis the Great, King of France, 
unfurled the white banner to the breeze, and nailed to the column 
he had planted the royal escutcheon. You cannot summon in 
fancv the towering figure of Iberville, the fearless Commander of 
the Pelican ; of Bienville, his distinguished and valorous brother, 
to whom our city of New Orleans owes its existence ; of Sau- 
volle, the most accomplished of that noble trio of brothers, with- 
out resting your mind's eye upon the saintly figures of those 
priests of Jesus Christ, Montigny and Davion, and others of their 
cloth, who shared the varied fortunes of those matchless leaders, 
and furnished by their labors, in behalf of the untutored savage 
of the wilds, materials for the most thrilling narrative. 

“I tell you this morning, with all the earnestness I may pos- 
sess, that you might as well try to shear the sun of his beams, to 
strip the moon of her silver mantle, to pluck by the roots yon 
Rocky Mountains, to check the flow or drain the basin of the 
Mississippi River, as to sever the tie which binds the Catholic 
Church to Louisiana from the verv moment when the settler's 
ax cleared her tangled forests, and the navigator's sail opened to 
the traffic of the world her countless water courses. I tell you 
that if we, whose infancy was cradled on her soil, whose youth 
was reared and nurtured in her schools, whose maturer years 
ripened in the day of her Statehood, amid the marvels of her 
development, if we should ever, may God forbid, forget the honor 
and the fidelity and the obedience we owe to the Catholic Church, 
the very stones of our streets, the very sands of our shores, the 
very blades of grass on our remaining prairies would find tongues 
to reproach us with our recreancy and ingratitude, while the 
bones of our fathers that molder in our cemeteries beneath the 
shadow of the cross, would rattle with indignation in their 
graves at the conduct of their traitor sons. Aye, traitors ! For 
remember, Louisianians of the twentieth century, remember that 
the blood of your sires and the blood of the Catholic Church may 
be said to have mingled their ruddy streams when in the 
eighteenth century the French missionaries and their flock were 
by the slaughtering hands of the Natchez tribes made to fill a 
common grave. 

“But, although the wise Governor of all things has hidden 
the future from the ken of our feeble understanding, and our 
clearest conceptions of what may happen are involved in doubt, 
yet, judging of things to come by their predecessors, it may not 
be rash to prophesy that the calamitous day will never be o<n 
record against us. For, from the gleanings of history, I seem to 
witness the glad anj enthusiastic welcome given in 1699 to 
their first resident chaplain by the first French settlement in 
Louisiana at that little post built by Iberville at Biloxi. Uncon- 
trollable emotion convulsed the frames of strong men and bathed 
with tears of joy and gratefulness the cheeks of frail women 
when they realized that there now was in their midst one who 
would soothe their sorrows, share their trials, a priest who would 
pardon their sins, baptize their children, join them in Christian 


8(i 


wedlock, anoint them in the last illness with the sacred oils, and 
whisper the blessings of the Church over their freshly dug graves. 

“And when, in 1718, at the command of that peerless organ- 
izer, Bienville, whose searching glance had marked the glo-rious 





THEODORE S. WILKINSON, 

Who represented Gen. James Wilkinson, Sunday, December 20, 1903. 

possibilities and foreseen the future greatness of our emporium, 
fifty gigantic sons of the forest were laid low to make room for 
the foundations of New Orleans, what is it that led to the pro- 
jected city the dwellers of the Mississippi Valley? The facilities 



87 


for import and export, doubtless, which the plan afforded, but 
chiefly, I believe, the eager wish of their Catholic hearts to build 
their rough homesteads within the shadow of those sanctuaries 
which they knew must, at no distant period, dot that strip of 
promised land. They were not doomed to disappointment. The 
wooden crosses erected in the fields and public thoroughfares and 
roads soon yielded space for the construction of churches and 
chapels, and the year 1723 saw on the street named Chartres, 
after the ducal son of the French regent, and within stone’s 
throw of the fronting 'Place d' Amies,' a wooden cross which, 
soon swept away by the breath of the hurricane, was replaced in 
1725 by a more elaborate structure, from whose ashes the 
munificent bounty of that philanthropic prince, Don Andres Al~ 
monester y Roxas, made to spring, in 1793, that boast and pride 
of our city, that faithful depository of our traditions, that ma- 
jestic witness of all the memorable events of our history, that 
venerable theatre of the most glowing scenes in our civil and re- 
ligious annals, 

THE ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, 

within whose storied walls we are now assembled, under the 
leadership of the most distinguished prelate who has ever graced 
its archiepiseopal throne, to invoke the divine blessing upon our 
Southland. 

“But in 1725 the Cathedral bells, now 'nestling in their lofty 
steeples,’ had not sung the paeans of victory to the Christian col- 
onists. Through winds and floods, pestilence and famine, fire 
and countless calamitous visitations, the Church was striving to 
get a surer footing and plant her standard more firmly in the 
rising city of Bienville. She was busy recruiting her ranks 
from foreign seminaries to cope with the increasing needs of a 
growing population. She husbanded jealousy all her resources, 
multiplied her endeavors to reach by her ministrations the hum- 
blest of Christ's flock, and especially the waifs and strays of 
life that were wandering far from her protecting arms. The 
education of young girls was sorely neglected. The mother 
country was appealed to, and across the billowy main she reached 
out her helping hand to her imploring children. Conformably to 
a contract with the West India Company, eight valiant LTsuline 
Nuns, whose number was soon to- increase to nineteen, landed at 
New Orleans on the 6th of August, 1727, to begin the work of 
education and charity which has been continued under five dif- 
ferent national flags in its existence of more than a century and 
a half, and has trained in their academies those, accomplished 
daughters of the South, whose Christian graces are an honor to 
their country as well as to their skillful and devoted teachers. 
A rare sight and a welcomed one must that procession have 
been which escorted the daughters of St. L T rsula to their newly- 
finished convent, on Ursuline Street, which is the oldest build- 
ing in the city and the oldest conventual structure within the- 
limits of our Republic. 


88 


“A Capuchin father, with two Jesuits as his assistants, bear- 
ing* the blessed sacrament under a canopy ; the veiled nuns, in 
choir mantles, following ; the Governor and his staff immediately 
after. Then the citizens, preceding the military force of the 
colony, whose drums and instruments blended their sounds with 
the religious chants as they moved along. A rare and soul-lifting 
sight, that to which, however, I would not have called your at- 
tention were it not for the treasured lesson which it teaches : The 
profound and public homage paid by the civil power to the 
Church and her ministers and to the members of our Catholic 
sisterhood. Neither would I allude to the sons of St. Ignatius of 
Loyola, who, together with the sons of St. Francis, ministered to 
■the spiritual wants of the infant city, were it not to say, with 
laudable pride, that their work in your midst to-day for the 
training of the young and tl|e service of the altar is instinct, with 
the same unselfish, self-sacrificing and patriotic love for Louisi- 
ana as that which quickened the pulses and fired the souls of 
their pioneer brothers in 1762. At that period the tread of events 
was about to turn and affairs were fast speeding to a crisis. For 
reasons detailed bv historians the mother-milk could no longer 
in sufficient draughts reach the lips of the nursling, and Louis 
XV was advised to give it into hands better able to prove it with 
the necessary nourishment. Under seeming cover of affection 
and friendship for his ‘Cousin of Spain,' but in reality under 
pressure of circumstances, he ceded “to him and his successors 
all the country known under the name of Louisiana,'’ and thus 
the much-enduring population, whidr^Jjas overcome so many 
perils under the flag of France, was coldly delivered over to the 
voke of foreign masters. 

o 

“It is not hard to imagine the conflicting emotions aroused in 
the breasts of our forefathers by the unexpected news which 
reached New Orleans in 1764. They loved their French descent 
and dependency. They were proud of their language, and at- 
tached to their laws, manners, customs, habits and government. 
The treaty of Fontainebleau had been secret. Neither had their 
wishes been consulted nor their consent solicited, so they chafed 
under a sense of wrong sure to break out into reprisals at which, 
while we deplore them, we can in no way marvel. I glide over 
that touching incident in which on bended knees the aged and 
feeble Bienville, like a father suing for the life of his child, 
vainly pleaded with France not to strip herself by one stroke of 
the pen of chose boundless possessions which she had acquired at 
the cost of so much heroic blood and so much treasure, and which 
extended in one proud, uninterrupted line from the mouth of the 
St. Lawrence to that of the Mississippi. I glide over that dark 
episode, the insurrection of 1768, which closed with the public 
•execution of the chief abettors, to bid you view in spirit the 
scene enacted on this very square, when, amid the pealing of 
bells and the roaring of cannon from the Spanish fleet, and the 
discharge of guns by the land troops, and the waving of ban- 
ners and the beating of drums, and the clanging of trumpets, 


89 


General O'Reilly took possession of this colony in the name of 
liis Catholic Majesty, and the flag of France sank from the head 
of the mast where it waved, and was replaced by that of Spain. 
When on that day both Governors and their retinues were re- 
ceived by the clergy in this Cathedral, then the Church of St. 
Louis, where a solemn ‘Te Deunr was sung, be pleased to observe 
that it was again the Church who poured oil over the troubled 
waters by pleading to the new administration the loyal submis- 
sion of her children ; a submission which ripened to ardent love 
and devotion during the thirty-three years in which the flag of 
Spain floated over our city and country. 

“But of those colonial days, whose memory shall only vanish 
from our midst when the last of those relics and monuments 
which breathe their spirit and speak of their quaint and romantic, 
grandeur shall have been leveled with the dust by the unsparing 
hand of time ; to those days the gratitude of our ancestors bade a 
tender, it not a wholly regretful, farewell when, in 1803, Loui- 
siana found herself no longer a portion of the Spanish monarchy, 
nor yet of the French Republic, to which she was receded for 
a brief span, but part and parcel of the great American Repub- 
lic. 

“Mine is not the task on this Centennial Day to say how the 
Purchase of the Louisiana Territory is 

NEXT TO THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

and the formation of the Constitution which made us a nation, the 
greatest event in American history ; how, nearly doubling the 
area of the United States by adding territory equal to the com- 
bined area of Great Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Portu- 
gal and Italy, for the sum of $15,000,000, which the Titan Bona- 
parte deemed a fair price, it was the greatest real estate specula- 
tion which the world has ever seen ; how it was the most note- 
worthy political move, averting probable fierce and long conflicts, 
waste of life, destruction of property and retardation of progress, 
1 leave those facts to the statesman, the financier and the diplo- 
mat. Mine is not even the task to unfold the giant strides made 
:in the course of a century by the intellectual civilization of which 
the bar, the medical profession, the literary and scientific circles, 
nay every class, every interest, every fireside, gives unquestionable 
tokens. I turn to thoughts more in accord with my theme. I trace 
the luminous finger of God in the progress of his church in Loui- 
siana through these hundred years which divide us from the 
consummation of that great purchase. To you, Catholics, I say, 
look around you, and while you marvel at the contrast between 
now and then ; while you marvel at the growth and development 
of your religion in the city of New Orleans, let your hearts brim 
over with gratefulness. Let your lips hymn forth a song of 
praise ‘For the things which the right hand of the Almighty hath 
-done in Sion/ 

“Count your numbers and be glad that from a mere handful 
it has swollen to 375,000 in this Archdiocese. The roll of the 


90 



CHARLES T. SONIAT. 

Who represented Daugerot, Sunday, 
December 20, 1903. 



J. S. ZACHARIE, 

2d Vice-President, 1903, who re- 
presented Wadsworth in cele- 
bration, Sunday, De- 
cember, 20, 1903. 


CHARLES F. CLAIBORNE, 

Who represented Commissioner W„ 
C. C. Claiborne in celebration, 
Sunday, December 20, 

1903. 


91 


Catholic clergy which counted twenty-six in town and country, 
boasts of more than 220 faithful shepherds tending' the flock of 
Jesus Christ in those 199 churches sprung from the soil under 
the magic wand of charity and zeal. Twenty-two thousand and 
four hundred and sixty-three is the number of young people 
under Catholic care. Five colleges and academies for boys and 
seventeen for young ladies, train your sons and daughters in the 
higher grades of study. Orphan asylums and hospitals and 
homes for the aged poor shelter the weak and the sick and the 
destitute. A hundred years ! And how the little grain of mus- 
tard seed has sprouted up and branched forth into the sheltering, 
widespreading tree ! A hundred years ! If from their seats on 
high, Heaven's dwellers are, as we believe, permitted a view of 
human concerns, the sight of those devout worshippers, men 
women and children, who throng our altar rails on Sundays and 
festivals, must All the blessed soul of the Bishop Penalver with 
far more different feelings than those which prompted these 
words to Bishop Carroll : ‘Not more than a quarter of the popu- 

lation of the town ever hear mass. A hundred years and the 
Catholic Church, that great creation of God's power, stands in this 
land in the pride of place. She energized through ten thousand 
instruments of power and influence. She wears her honors thick 
upon her venerable brows, enthroned among us in a See which, 
in this Republic, is second only to- that of Baltimore.' 

“And here, a vision of ten mitred heads passes before me. 
Their glance sweeps in gladness through this vast assemblage. 
Representatives of France and Spain, and of America, Penalver, 
Dubourg, Rosati, Neckere, Blanc, Odin, Perche, Leray, Janssens, 
welcome you to this Cathedral, from whose bell-towers rang out 
the flrst joyous peals that, on the twentieth day of December, 
1803, welcomed the American flag waving within sight of its 
portals in its fronting square. Catholics of New Orleans, your 
departed Fathers in God salute you, while with uplifted finger 
they point in pride to their pontific successor, and bid you mingle 
your voices in a concert of praise to our Lord Jesus Christ who 
has vouchsafed to bestow a priceless gift upon the Church of 
New Orleans in the person of his Excellency Most 
Reverend Archbishop Chapelle. Your Excellency, your 
learning and prudence, equalled only by your piety and 
zeal, have achieved a success foreseen by our lamented 
Holy Eather, Leo XIII, when he chose you, among all 
vour empurpled peers, for one of the most difficult missions in the 
records of ecclesiactical diplomacy. The fame which your Ex- 
cellency has won on these foreign fields of apostolic delegation, 
besides shedding on the history of this archdiocese a lustre which 
will forever emblazon its pages, it is to your devoted children 
an earnest that in your saintly and skilful hands the banner of 
Christ is marching to fresh victories and fresh conquests in the 
opening days of this new century of the Louisiana Purchase. 
Yet while giving thanks, we can not wholly forget that the sun 
of our prosperity was not unclouded by the shadows of disaster. 


92 


The Ruler of the Universe, who in the language of the Psalmist 
‘Exalteth the nations,’ is sometimes pleased, for reasons known 
only to His inscrutable providence, to test them in crucible trials. 
Louisiana proved no exception to that rule. The rods of afflic- 
tion which threatened to scourge the shoulders of our forefathers, 
were stayed in their fall by the appointed arm of that great 
soldier, Jackson, who on the memorable twenty-third day of 
January, 1815, crowned in this very temple with a laurel wreath 
from the hand's of Abbe Dubourg, offered public homage to the 
God of armies for the victory which had perched upon his stand- 
ard, and had freed New Orleans from British invasion** But 
there was no appointed arm to drive back the rushing tide of 
that other war which raged and roared during four long years of 
alternate joys and griefs, hopes and fears, reverses and suc- 
cesses, exultation and despair ; during four long years which like a 
deep red trail of our best Southern blood, stretched from Sum- 
ter to Appomattox. Yet: 

O Gracious God ! not gainless is the loss ! 

A glorious sunbeam gilds thy sternest frown. 

“For the curtain has fallen long ago on those mournful scenes 
of carnage, and thy hand has beautified and comforted and 
healed, until there is nothing left of those calamitous days but 
graves, and garlands, and monuments, and veterans, and precious 
memories. And we still give thanks. For we have been built 
into a sturdier race by the example, and the memory of those of 
our fathers and brothers who were the bravest men that ever 
girt sword or shouldered musket ; the most knigflitly warriors that 
cannon-signal or trumpet-flourish ever summoned to blood v 
fields ; men whose spirits never faltered, whose hearts never 
quailed, whose courage never wavered ; whose resolve never failed 
through four bitter years of recurring failure ; and whose self- 
sacrifice, self-denial and indomitable ardor have no parallel in 
the annals of any nation. 

“We still give thanks, for in brotherly love, we now clasp 
each otheFs hands above the dark chasm of an unfortunate past. 
We owe legal allegiance to a united country. The same flag 
sweeps in mighty over our heads, and we do common homage to 
its folds which commands respect for the American name on sea 
and land. 

“In a moment, the voices of Pontiff, priests and people will 
rise to the throne of grace in humble acknowledgment of favors 
received, and in fervent pleading for new blessings. When the 
strains of that solemn “Te DeunU shall have died along the 
vaults of this Cathedral, on the very spot where it floated high 
for the first time, one hundred years ago, you will 

AGAIN RAISE THAT FLAG. 

✓ 

Let its voice be heard. Let it be heard beyond the limits of this 
city, beyond the limits of this territory. Let it be wafted to 
where the nation sits in council to tell this one, indivisible, im- 


93 


perishable Republic that among all the stars that gem its diadem 
of States, none shines more brightly, none more steadily, none 
more faithfully, none more loyally than that of Louisiana, pur- 
chased by Thomas Jefferson from Napoleon Bonaparte, in the 
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and three.” 

Archbishop Chapelle continued the mass, and, after the com- 
munion, turning, addressed the people, speaking briefly, but im- 
pressively and eloquently the deep sentiments that filled his heart. 

THE ARCHBISHOP SAID, 

in substance : 

“After offering the holy sacrifice of the mass of thanksgiving,, 
I may be permitted, dear brethren, to say, a few words before 
intoning the “Te Deum’ of this joyful anniversary of the centen- 
nial of the Louisiana Purchase. A native of France, I love my 
country of birth as much as any Frenchman can do. As an 
American citizen for the last forty years, I love America no less. 
As Archbishop of New Orleans, it is a source of exultation for 
me to welcome to-day this distinguished gathering of the people 
of the country of the Purchase, representatives of the nations 
directly concerned in it, and to offer the solemn sacrifice in thanks- 
giving for the consummation of that glorious event. 

“Time, my dear brethren, is the book of life, upon the pages 
of which the world writes its record. Nations come and go ; 
generations after generations turn the pages upon which without 
reserve the world's history is chronicled. In the holy dispensa- 
tions of the Providence that guides and directs all some periods 
stand out more conspicuously than others as marked eras, wherein 
there may be cause for uncommon jubilation. It is for this 
reason that from the beginning of history the recurrence of the 
.anniversary of that which has been most sacred in civil or reli- 
gious life, most important in the thoughts and labors and actions 
of men, have been connected with jubilees and contennials. And 
so it is that in this blessed consummation of the Louisiana Pur- 
chase by the United States we are here to commemorate the 
past and consecrate anew to God all that this great act meant, 
not only for the people of New Orleans, but for the entire land 
of the Purchase and of the Union. 

“It was in the wonderful designs of Providence that the dis- 
covery and settlement of this country by France and subsequently 
its transfer to the authority of Spain should have been ; it was 
also in the designs of Providence that the Province of Louisiana, 
extending from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean, should have 
passed under the strong jurisdiction of the United States. As 
the illustrious and most distinguished representative of France 
said yesterday, “It is enough glory for me as Ambassador of 
France at this celebration to know that France sowed the seed 
in Louisiana which has fructified even unto to-day in this ancient 
province. Having sown the seed and sown well, I sincerely be- 
lieve that it was in the designs of Divine Province for this coun- 


94 


try to pass from the hands of her venerable mother into the care 
of the Union of American States." 


Yes, said 
United States, 


the Archbishop, “France has 
in consummating the purchase, 


sown well. The 
did well. Under 



GOV. WILLIAM C. C. 


CLAIBORNE. 


1803. 


the benediction of Providence, that creative power which gives 
to seeds the power to fructify and increase, America has reaped 
for the people of the province a most bountiful harvest. It is 
for this, it seems to me, that we have 



95 


CAUSE FOR GRATITUDE TO-DAY ; 


this that 
whereby 
precious 


gives the main significance to these solemn ceremonies, 
we offer thanks to God for the innumerable and most 
blessings that have come to us from this great harvest 



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GOV. W, W. HEARD. 
1903. 


of the purchase. We thank God for the blessings of civil and 
religious liberty which were secured, not only to the generations 
which have lived and died since the purchase, but which were 
secured for us, and I hope, for innumerable generations to come. 


96 


Civil and religious freedom I count as first and foremost among 
blessings. These are ours by right of our laws, and without the 
recognition of this priceless heritage our laws would have no 
meaning for us. Oh, dear friends, these are the truest and most 
precious blessings that we enjoy! This is the inheritance we se- 
cured when we came under the Constitution of this land, over 
which waves the 'broad folds of the Stars and Stripes. We 
thank God that we were sent forth on this mission to bring 
respect for law and order and human life; to establish institutions 
of education and training, in which the principles of lav/ and or- 
der and justice must be the guide, and the uplifting and up- 
building of the heart, and soul must be taught as the teachings 
based on the eternal principles of the Gospel of Christ. 

“We thank God that the people who came before us in this land 
bore these thoughts in their hearts and illustrated them in their 
lives* 

“We thank God because our people bear in their hearts the 
memory of all that has been accomplished in a hundred years 
for the well-being of mankind ; we thank God that the present 
generation seek the uplifting and betterment of men, and labor 
for justice, law and order, and that, while seeking temporal 
blessings, they do not forget the things that pertain to God and 
his service. 

“We pray for the whole people of these United States, and 
thank God for that which we do not foresee, but which in his 
wisdom, he may deem best to send up; and for the labor that 
may come in new fields. 

“And now, dear brethren, let me tell you that you have done 
well to come to God's Church on this occasion to ask his blessing 
upon yourselves and country and to thank him for all that he 
has done for you. You have done well, for what does not pass 
away is that which lies upon the fixed altar of the true and eternal 
principles of justice, law and order, and belief in a bountiful and 
merciful Providence.” 

Archbishop Chapelle then gave 

THE PAPAL BENEDICTION, 

and the impressive ceremonies came to a close. As the imposing 
cortege filed out of the church, the choir rendered, with magni- 
ficent effect, the grand recessional chorus from Gounod’s “Re- 
demption.” 

AT THE CABILDO. 

History relates that when Louisiana was transferred from 
France to Spain, there was inclement weather, but that when the 
day dawned that witnessed the cession from France to the United 
States the sky was clear, the atmosphere balmy, and that, at noon, 
when the transfer was consummated, the heavens were resplend- 
ent with glorious effulgence of the sun. 

The same faultless sky spread and arched its harmonious con- 
tour over the Crescent City, when the silvery chimes of the 


97 


Cathedral called to worship in the early part of the forenoon. 
The bells sounded the glad jubilee of the First Centennial of 
Louisiana as one of the jewels in the tiara of Columbia, and in- 
vited the people of the Crescent City to join in a grand religious 
act, and to listen to the “Te Deum," rising up to the very throne 
of the All-Father in thanksgiving for his having been instrumen- 
tal in his wise providence in guiding the hearts and minds of men 
so as to have Louisiana added to the galaxy of States over which 
the broad pinions of the American eagle spread, giving shelter 
to the oppressed of the world. 

At the conclusion of the High Mass, the Historical Societv 
and its guests went to the Cabildo and took part in an interesting 
repetition of the scenes which had attended the transfer of Louisi- 
ana exactly one hundred years ago. The ceremonies took place 
in the courtroom of the justices of the State Supreme Court, the 
august tribunal sitting in the Cabildo, which was originally the 
meeting place of the Cabildo or Municipal Chapter of Spanish 
origin, created bv O'Reilley, and whose designation has passed to 
the building now known under that name. It was in the Cabildo 
that the transfer of the colony from France to the United States 
was effected on the 20th of December, 1803. 

It was that transfer which the Historical Society 

REPEATED IN ALL ITS DETAILS. 

The proceedings were of the highest interest, and most bril- 
liant in their unfolding, because of the participation of so many 
distinguished men, representing the three governments that had 
in turn possessed the colony of Louisiana ; and the presence of 
several guests from other States. 

All of the acts and doings of that hundred-vear-old date having 
been reaccomplished, the story was continued by adjournment 
to the street, while the Mayor, the Governor, and the represen- 
tatives of Governor Claiborne stood on the central balcony of the 
Cabildo, on the very spot where a century ago the first Ameri- 
can Governor of Louisiana and the first Mayor of New Orleans 
had stood to address the people. Short speeches were made by 
the Governor and by the Mayor, and after the Mayor had read 
the first proclamation issued by Governor Claiborne there arose 
a mighty shout, caused by the exultant people greeting the ascent 
on the flagstaff in Jackson Square of the American colors. Little 
Miss Amenaide Soniat du Fossat, a descendant of the Chevalier 
Guy Soniat du Fossat, pulled the rope that sent up the glorious 
flag to the apex of the pole. 

A salute was fired on the Levee by a squad of the Louisiana 
Field Artillery, which salute was answered by the guns of the 
men-of-war in port. 

The spot upon which the flag was hoisted is most interestingly 
historical. It was laid out as a parade ground for the troops 
when Bienville founded New Orleans, in 1718. From the staff 
in the center of the Place d'Armes there have fluttered in sue- 


98 


cessive epochs the colors of France, of Spain, and of the United 
States. The American colors have been proudly waving for ioo 
years, and for long long years will it still float over the sacredly 
historical spot. It was 



MAYOR ETIENNE DE BORE, 1808 . 

From an Old Painting’ in the Historical Museum. 

IN THE PLACE D’ARMES 

that CflReilly received the keys of the city and took possession in 
the name of the King of Spain. It was there that the first decla- 
ration of American independence was made by a band of un- 
daunted patriots, who spurned alien rule and elected to die rather 




99 


\ 


than forswear allegiance to their mother country. It was in that 
same Place d'Armes that Don Bernardo de Galvez made his fam- 
ous appeal to the citizens, telling them that he would not accept the 



MAYOR PAUL CAPDE VIELLE, 

1903. 

office of Governor unless they freely consented to be ruled by him. 
And now the old Place d'Armes is called Jackson Square, and in 
its center there stands the magnificent equestrian statue of Jack- 
son, the hero of Chalmette. 


100 


And with the reverberations of the guns of the visiting war- 
ships, the last phase in the service of ceremonies by the Louisiana 
Historical Society was consummated and the joyful people of 
New Orleans, satisfied with the splendid commemoration, will 
cheerfully leave to succeeding generations the pious duty of imita- 
ting the example of the present generation in fitly celebrating 
the centenaries of the transfer of Louisiana. 

THE CEREMONIES IN DETAIL. 

The Territory Transferred by the Descendants of the 

Actors of a Century Ago. 

The ceremonies which marked the close of the official pro- 
gramme of the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the 
transfer of the Territory of Louisiana from France to the United 
States took place between 12:20 and 1 135 o'clock in the Cabildo, 
part of the time in the Supreme Court room and part of the 
time on the balcony, where a hundred years ago the last scene in 
the drama which ended in the turning over to the L ; nited States 
of the vast territory, was enacted. 

The ceremonies at the Cabildo followed those in the Cathe- 
dral, when the solemn Mass was celebrated in memory of the 
great event. Long before the crowd in the Cathedral had surged 
out and gathered about the historic Jackson Square, every pre- 
caution to carry out the ceremonies in imitation of those of the 
original transfer was complete. Squads of policemen guarded 
the entrance below, and no one was permitted to enter unless 
provided with one of the official admission cards. So small was 
the Supreme Court room that fears were expressed that even 
many of those who were thus provided would not be able to hear 
and see, but these fears were groundless, for all who had cards 
were either given seats or were allowed to stand in the room. 

The ceremonies were an exact reproduction of those of the 
original transfer, and were taken part in some instances by 

DESCENDANTS OF THE MEN WHO FIGURED 

i 

jmost prominently in the event of the last century. 

On the platform the seats had been assigned so that the dig- 
nitaries of the occasion were made most prominent. As the 
Governor marched in with his party he was assigned to the seat 
in the center of the platform. To his right sat xMnbassador Juss- 
erand, the representative of France ; Admiral Wise, representing 
the United States; Captain Lemogne, of the Jurien de la Gra- 
viere. To the left sat Senor O'Donnell, representing the Spanish 
Government ; Mayor Paul Capdevielle, and Consul General Rich- 
ard, of France. On the second row of seats sat Judge Charles 
Parlange, of the United States District Court ; Justices Breaux, 
Monroe and Land, of the State Supreme Court, in their robes of 
office. On the last row, from left to right, sat President David 
R. Francis, of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition ; General 


101 


Adolph Meyer, Captain John P. Merrell, Lieutenant South, Lieu- 
tenant Sypher, Lieutenant Gelm, and Commander T. A. Wilner. 

Shortly after the ceremonies began Archbishop Chapelle, ac- 
companied by Bishops Allen, of Mobile, and Heslin, of Natchez, 
entered, and were given seats on the platform. 

Just in front of the platform were arranged three seats, the 
center one of which was occupied by Prof. Alcee Fortier, 
who, during the celebration, impersonated Laussat. To his right 
sat Charles F. Claiborne, who took the part of Governor W. C. 
C. Claiborne, his grandfather. To the left sat Theodore Wilkin- 
son, great-grandson of General James Wilkinson. To Mr. Clai- 
borne’s right stood Mr. Charles T. Soniat, who took the part of 
Daugerot, Secretary of Laussat, and to the left of Mr. Wilkinson 
stood the Hon. James S. Zacharie, who represented D. Wads- 
worth, Secretary of the American Commission. 

In the front row of seats arranged before the platform were 
seated the members of the St. Louis party and the members of 
Governor Heard's staff. The seats behind were occupied by the 
invited guests, and all over the room there stood many who' were 
unable to find seats. 

At twenty minutes after 12 o'clock Governor Heard called the 
guests to order, saying : 

“Ladies and Gentlemen — In return for the efforts of the mem- 
bers of the Historical Society, who have labored so earnestly and 
faithfully for the success of this celebration, I desire, as a slight 
token of appreciation, and as a mark of esteem for the scholarly 
President of the Society, to ask that gentleman to preside and 
conduct the exercises of the day. Prof. Alcee Fortier will take 
the chair.” 

I11 accepting the honor conferred upon him, President Fortier 
said : 

“Your Excellencies and Your Graces, Ladies and Gentlemen — 
In the name of the Louisiana Historical Society, which has pre- 
pared this celebration, I wish to thank our worthy Governor and 
you for this mark of appreciation for what we have tried to do. 

“We are going to try to reproduce the historic event which 
took place exactly 100 years ago. You already saw some parts 
reproduced when you saw entering this hall the American Com- 
missioners, Claiborne and Wilkinson. We are very fortunate in 
having to take the parts of these distinguished men their dis- 
tinguished descendants. Mr. Charles F. Claiborne will take the 
part of his distinguished grandfather, and our friend to the left, 
Hon. Theodore S. Wilkinson, who served us so fittingly in Con- 
gress, will take the part of his illustrious ancestor. 

“Unfortunately, Laussat has left no descendant in Louisiana, 
but I have been requested to take his place as the representative 
of the French Government. I assure you that I do not feel equal 
to the occasion, but as this is only 


102 


A DREAM OF GLORY AND PATRIOTISM, 

I will try for one minute to imagine that I, an humble pro- 
fessor in an American university, am the representative of that 
great and glorious country. 

“We have here, in order to continue the historical incidents, 
the Secretaries of the Commissioners. Mr. Charles T. Soniat 
will take the part of Daugerot, and Mr. James S. Zacharie 
will take the part of Wadsworth, Secretary to Claiborne and 
Wilkinson. 

“Now you have the actors in this scene which we are merely 
trying to represent, for none of us, I think, can pretend to be as 
celebrated as the men whose names will ever remain in history, 
Claiborne, Wilkinson and Laussat." 

* Prof. Fortier then requested Mr. Zacharie, in his role of 
Wadsworth, to read the commission of President Jefferson to 
Commissioners Claiborne and Wilkinson, and Mr. Zacharie, 
responding, read as follows : 

“Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, to whom 
these presents letters shall come, greeting: 

“Know, That having faith and special confidence in the pat- 
riotism and the capacity of W. C. C. Claiborne and James Wil- 
kinson, I have appointed them Commissioners and agents of the 
United States, with full power and authority, together and sep- 
arately, to take possession and occupy the territory ceded by 
France to the United States bv the treat v concluded at Paris on 

wr m* 

April 30 last, and, to this effect, to proceed to the said territory, 
and there to execute all and such acts and things relative which 
may be necessary to fulfill their commission conformable to the 
said treaty, and to the laws of the United States. 

“In testimony whereof I have sent these letters patents, and 
I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. 

“Given by my own hand at the city of Washington, the 31st 
day of October, 1803, of our Lord, and the twenty-eighth year of 
the independence of the United States of America. 

“Thomas Jefferson. 

“By the President. 

“Tames Madison A 

Introducing Mr. Soniat, Prof. Fortier said that he would read 
the powers of Laussat to receive Louisiana from Spain, as del- 
egated by First Consul Bonaparte. Mr. Soniat stated that he 
would read from a volume published in 1808, containing a des- 
cription of the 

CEREMONIES ATTENDING THE TRANSFER 
of the territory. He read as follows : 

j 

“Bonaparte, premier consul, au nom du peuple Franqais, ayant 
pour but d’operer la prise de possession de la Louisiane, cedee a 
la Republique Franqaise par S. M. C., en vertu du traite conclu 
a St. Ildephonse, le 9 Vendemiaire, an IX, a ete confirme par 
celui d’Aranjuez de Ventose suivant; ayant de plus, pris connais- 


103 


sance de l’ordre par lequel sa Majeste Catholique charge le Gou- 
verneur Actuel de la Louisiane de reraettie cette colonie aux 
agents Frangais envoyes pour la recevoir, nomrae le Citoyen P. C. 
Laussat, Commissaire du Gouverneruent Frangais, lui donne plein 
et absolu pouvoir, commission et mandement special pour recevoir, 
au nom de la Republique Francaise, des mains des greffiers et 
autres agents preposes a cet effet par sa Majeste Catholique, la 
colonie ou province de la Louisiane; pour prendre toutes les 
mesures relatives a l'evacuation de ce pays par les troupes 
Espagnoles, et pour passer tous les actes auxquels peuvent donner 
lieu ladite evacuation. En foi de quoi sont donnes les presentes, 
signees, contresignees et munies du sceau de la Republique. 

“A St. Cloud, le 17 Prairial, an XI, de la Republique Fran- 
gaise (6 Juin, 1803). Signe Bonaparte, par le premier consul, le 
Secretaire d’Etat. Signe H. B. Maret, le Ministre de la Marine 
et des Colonies, Signe Deeres.’ ’ 

At the request of Prof. Fortier, Mr. Zacharie, in the role 
of Wadsworth, then read five sections of the treaty of cession, 
after which Mr. Soniat, as Daugerot, read the same in French. 

The treaty having been ratified, Napoleon Bonaparte, First 
Consul of the French Republic, appointed Colonial Prefect 
Laussat to deliver possession of Louisiana to- the United States, 
and President Thomas Jefferson appointed Governor William 
Charles Cole Claiborne and Brigadier General James Wilkinson 
to receive possession of Louisiana. 

At 1 2 o'clock, on Dec. 20 1803, the Commissioners of the 
United States appeared at Hotel de Ville, known as the Cabildo, 
on the Place d’Armes, in the city of New Orleans, and were re- 
ceived in the Sala Capitular by the Commissioners of France. 
The powers of the Commissioners were read and the transfer 
of Louisiana to the United States, with the keys of the city was 
then formally made by the Commissioners of the Republic of 
France, and the 

PROCES VERBAL OF THE DELIVERY OF LOUISIANA 

WAS SIGNED. 

Mr. C. T. Soniat, still as Daugerot, then read the powers 
delegated to him by the First Consul to turn the colony of 
Louisiana over to the United States, as follows: 

“Bonaparte, premier consul, au nom du peuple Frangais, vou- 
lant assurer l’execution du traite et des deux convention conclues 
signes le dix Floreal, an XI, entre la Republique Frangaise et les 
Etats-Unis d’Amerique, par le Citoyen F. B. Marbois, Ministre 
du Tresor Public, et MM. R. R. Livingston et J. Monroe, Ministres 
Plenipotentiaires des Etats-Unis, tous trois munis de leurs pleins 
pouvoirs, autorise le Citoyen P. C. Laussat a echanger et 
recevoir les ratifications dudit traite et des deux conventions qui y 
sont jointes, et Finvestit a cet effet, des pouvoirs necessaires. Et 
comme l’objet dudit traite est de faire passer aux Etats-Unis la 
souverainete et la propriete de la Colonie ou Province de la 


104 


Louisiane, sous les metnes clauses et conditions qu’elles avaient 
ete cedees par l’Espagne a la France, en vertu de traite conclu 
a St. Ildephonse, le neuf Vendemiaire, an neuf, entre ces deux 
puissances, le premier consul, au nom du peuple Frangais, donne 
au Citoyen Laussat, Prefet Colonial, plein et absolu pouvoir, 
commission et mandement du traite et des conventions du dix 
Floreal, an onze, et remettre, au nom dela Republique Frangaise, 
en qualite de commissairede son Gouvernement, aux Commissaires 
ou agents des Etats-Unis, dument autorises a cet effet, les pays, 
contrees et dependances de la Louisiane, conformement aux 
articles premier, deux, quatre et cinq dudit traite, lorsque lui 
meme aura recpu ladite Colonie des officers de S. M. C., en vertu 
des pouvoirs speciaux qui lui sont remis pour cet objet. 

“En foi de quoi sont donnes les presents, signes, contresignees 
~et munis du sceau de la Republique. 

“A St. Cloud, le 17 Prairial, an onze de la Republique Fran- 
chise (Dix Juin, 1803). 

“Signe BONAPARTE, 

“Par le Premier Consul, le Secretaire d’Etat. 

“H. B. MARET, 

“Ministre de la Marine et des Colonies.” 

Prof. Fortier them, as Laussat, delivered possession of Louisi- 
ana to the Commissioner^ in these words : 

“I hereby declare that this moment I put the Commissioners 
of the United States in possession of the land, countries and de- 
pendencies of Louisiana, in conformity with Articles I, II, IV 
and V of the treaty, and of two conventions of the 10 Floreal, 
year XI (30 April last,) in accordance with the object of this 
treaty, that the sovereignty and proprietorship of Louisiana 
passes to the United States, with’ all clauses and conditions with 
which they were ceded by Spain to France, by virtue of the treaty 
concluded at San Ildephonso the 9th vendemiaire, year X (1st 
of October, 1800), which afterwards was executed by the effec- 
tive re-entering of the French Republic in possession of this 
colony. v Presenting the keys of New Orleans to Mr. Claiborne, 
the impersonator of his grandfather, Prof. Fortier said : 

“By virtue of the powers with which I am vested and of 
the commissions of which I am charged by the First Consul, all 
citizens and inhabitants of Louisiana who wish to remain under 
the domination of the United States are released from this 
moment of the oath of fidelity to the French Republic.” 

Mr. Claiborne then took the chair, presiding, since, by the 
cession, the territory was henceforth the territory of the United 
States. Mr. Claiborne then read the address which Governor 
Claiborne delivered when lie took possession of the territory 
for the United States 100 years ago. 

ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR WILLIAM CHARLES COLE 

CLAIBORNE. 

“Fellow Citizens of Louisiana: On the great and interesting 

event now finally consummated — an event so advantageous to 


105 


yourselves, and so glorious to united America — I cannot for- 
bear offering you my warmest congratulations. The wise policy 
of the Consul of France has, by the cession of Louisiana to the 



Photo by P. Ernest Carriere. 

ADDRESSES FROM THE CENTRAL BALCONY OF THE CABILDO, 

Sunday, December 20, 1903. 

United States, secured to you a connection beyond the reach of 
change, and to your posterity the sure inheritance of freedom. 
The American people receive you as brothers, and will hasten to 


106 


extend to you a participation in those inestimable rights which 
have formed the basis of their own unexampled prosperity. Un- 
der the auspices of the American Government, you may confi- 
dently rely upon the security of your liberty, your property, and 
the religion of your choice. You may, with equal certainty, rest 
assured that your commerce will be promoted, and your agri- 
culture cherished ; in a word, that your true interests will be 
among the primary objects of our National Legislature. In re- 
turn for these benefits, the United States will be amply remuner- 
ated, if your growing attachment to the Constituton of our 
country, and your veneration for the principles on which it is 
founded, be duly proportioned to the blessings which they will 
confer. Among your first duties, therefore, you should cultivate 
with assiduity among yourselves the advancement of political 
information ; you should guide the rising generation in the paths 
of republican economy and virtue ; you should encourage litera- 
ture ; for without the advantages of education, your descendants 
will be unable to appreciate the intrinsic worth of the Govern- 
ment transmitted to them. 

“As for myself, fellow citizens, accept a sincere assurance that 
during mv continuance in the situation in which' the President 
of the United States has been pleased to place me, every exer- 
tion will be made on my part to foster your internal welfare ; 
for it is only by such means that I can secure to myself the ap- 
probation of those great and just men who preside in the coun- 
cils oi our nation.” 

Prof. Fortier then called on Mr. Zacharie, who represented 
Wadsworth, to read the proces, verbal of the delivery of Louisi- 
ana. 

Prof. Fortier stated that when the original transfer was made 
and after the proces verbal had been read, Governor Claiborne 
and Laussat, accompanied by Mayor Bore, went to the front 
balcony of the Cabildo and addressed the newly-acquired citzens 
of the L T nited States. In imitation of this event Prof. Fortier sug- 
gested that the crowd assemble below and hear the addresses 
of Governor Heard and Mayor Oapdevielle. 

All except a few of the guests then left the room and went 
below, the official party going into the Justices' room and re- 
maining there during the ceremonies. Governor Heard, Miayor 
Oapdevielle, Prof. Fortier, Mr. Claiborne, Mr. Wilkinson and 
Archbishop Chapelle went out on the balcony, while in a prom- 
inent place Ambassador Jusserand, Admiral Wise and Consul 
Tuero y O'Donnell stood to hear the speeches. 

GOVERNOR HEARD, 
the first speaker, said : 

“Fellow-citizens: Standing to-day before this venerable build- 
ing, a silent witness of the great transactions that took place on 
this spot one hundred years ago, we cannot but recall with pro- 


107 


found gratitude to God and with great patriotic pride that the 
vast Province of Louisiana was acquired by the skill of American 
diplomacy, and the great foresight of President Jefferson without 
the sacrifice of a human life, of the loss of a drop of blood. 

“It affords me much pleasure, as Governor of the State of 
Louisiana, to welcome on this Centennial anniversary the worthy 
representatives of those nations that formerly governed Louisi- 
ana with .such sagacity that remembrance of their rule of civili- 
zation has left an indelible imprint on the history of our beloved 
State. 

“And to-day, fellow-citizens, we join together on this spot, 
hallowed by so many historical events, and thank these repre- 
sentatives for their presence on this Centennial anniversary, and 
ask them to 

CONVEY TO THEIR RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS 

our high appreciation and sincere thanks for the courtesy of 
sending them here, and assure their people that the citizens of the 
United States, and especially those of Louisiana, of their high 
esteem, love and fraternal sentiments. 

“The acquisition of Louisiana, my fellow-citizens, was the 
greatest and most peaceful accession of territory ever made by 
the United States or any other nation. No lives paid in blood 
for the land, and only the relinquishment of sovereignty was 
tinged with regret. k Let the Louisianians know/ exclaimed 
Napoleon Bonaparte, as he signed the Treaty of 1803, 'that we 
separate ourselves from them with regret ; that we stipulate 
everything in their favor that they can desire, and let them 
hereafter, happy in their independence, recollect that they have 
been Frenchmen, and that France in ceding them has secured for 
them advantages which they could not have obtained from a Eu- 
ropean power, however paternal in might have been. Let them re- 
tain for us sentiments of affection ; and may their common orgin, 
descent, language and customs prepetuate their friendship/ 

“To-day we come to celebrate the Centennial event, and our 
thoughts revert to the days of French and Spanish domination in 
this fair Louisiana of old, and how peaceful and mild was their 
sway. 

r - 

“As we read the pages of history relating to the important 
transaction consummated on the 30th day of April, 1803, in the 
city of Paris, and of the geat and glorious results that have 
flowed from it, we realize that the authors, in their wildest opti- 
mistic dreams, could never have conceived the importance which 
that instrument would have on the destiny of the United Staes. 

THE MASTER MIND OF NAPOLEON, 

reading the future with a prophetic vision, alone comprehended 
the effect on the history of the world when he exclaimed, with 
warlike impetuosity, ‘This accession of territory strengthens for- 
ever the power of the United States, and I have just given 10 


10S 


England a maritime rival that will, sooner or later, humble her 
pride.’ Such was the exclamation of the greatest captain the 
world ever saw, but who imbued with the spirit of animosity, 
did not comprehend that peaceful conquests are greater than 
those of war, and that the world was traveling on the path of 
brotherly love, or, as the poet Milton says: ‘Peace hath her vic- 
tories no less renowned than war/ 

“By the treaty of Fontainebleau of November 3, 1762, France 
transferred Louisiana to Spain, and Louis XV of France said 
that ‘from .the pure impulse of his generous heart and from the 
sense of the affection and friendship existing, all the country 
know as Louisiana/ he donated to his cousin of Spain. , 

“Later Spain, by the treaty of St. Ildefonso, of October 1, 
1800, transferred Louisiana back to France in these words: ‘With 
the same extent that it now has in the hands of Spain, and that it 
had when France possessed it, and such as it ought to be after 
the treaties subsequently entered into between Spain and other 
States/ 

“Still later, when the treaty of Paris was signed on April 30,. 
1803, France, in that treaty, stipulated it transferred the colony 
or Province of Louisiana, with the same extent that it now has 
in the hands of Spain, and that it had when France possessed it. 

“France claimed as the limits of Louisiana all that territory 
as far west as the sources of the streams that flow eastward from 
the Rocky Mountains, and out of this magnificent domain the 
States of Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Kan- 
sas, Montana, North and South Dakota, Wyoming Colorado, 
Nebraska and Indian Territory and Oklahoma have been carved. 

TWELVE STATES AND TWO TERRITORIES, 

having an area of over 1,000,000 square miles and 15,000,000 
of population, have been formed, and to-day on this centennial 
birthday anniversary it becomes my pleasant duty, as the Chief 
Masgistrate of this State, to welcome the citizens of those States 
here on this historic spot, the venerable cradle of Louisiana. 

“As community interests bind us together this city is your old 
home, and the sons of Louisiana welcome you as brothers in our 
mother's house. Your destiny is ours, and we cherish the his- 
torical recollections of the past with patriotic pride. We remem- 
ber that we contributed to enlarge the national domain by one- 
third, and that the great Father of Waters, as it rushes on to the 
Gulf of Mexico, past this spot, brings 11s from you a contribution 
of the soil of these States with the heartiest greetings of its 
patriotic citizens. 

“Fellow-citizens, the authors of the treaty of 1803 never com- 
prehended the great extent of Louisiana, any more than those who 
had framed prior treaties. The fabulous stories of John 
Law, the great financier of France, still rang in their ears 
about the wonderful riches of Louisiana. Although the early 
settlers only beheld swamps and a few hills, the country was pic- 


109 


tured to France of the seventeenth century as a country with 
mountains and silver and gold and forests of great value. 

“The predictions of Law were verified after our Civil War, 
when American enterprise brought forth from the hidden seams 
of the Rocky Mountain untold riches. The dense forests have 
fallen before the ax of the American Pioneer, and fertile farms 
are yielding rich crops. Thriving villages and great cities have 
sprung up, as it were, in a night; on plains where the red man 
once reigned supreme,, the cross of the Christian shines from the 
steeples of countless churches whose bells 

CALL US TOGETHER TO THANK GOD 

for ioo years of great prosperity. 

“To the distinguished President of the Louisiana Pur- 
chase Exposition and his associates, who are here to 

participate in these ceremonies, we offer a cordial wel- 
come. Their presence here serves to emphasize and ac- 

centuate the importance of the great historical event which 
we to-day commemorate. This celebration and the commemora- 
tion is but one step in that train of exercises which leads up to 
the greater manifestation which will culminate in the grandest 
exposition which the world will ever see, at St. Louis next year. 
The celebration this day marks the beginning of the era of Ameri- 
can domination in the Louisiana territory. The greater demon- 
stration at St. Louis next year will mark the splendid progress 
and development which characterized the hundred years of 

the American possession, and will serve to show the advance of 

the whole civilized world, and that the people of the territory have 
kept abreast with the other people of the earth.” 

MAYOR CAPDEVEILLE 
spoke next, saying: 

“Governor Heard, Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow-Citizens : - 
It has: been part of the duties of my office, since I have had the 
honor of being the Chief Magistrate of the city of New Orleans, 
to make many public addresses, but I have never spoken on a 
more solemn and memorable occasion than the present. You will 
understand, as a matter of course, that coming after so many 
distinguished and eloquent speakers who have very naturally ex- 
hausted their subject, there is little of anything left for me to 
say, except by way of closing the exercises of the centennial cele- 
bration. 

“I stand now upon the very spot where Etienne de Bore stood 
ioo years ago. He was the last Mayor of New Orleans under 
the French dominion, and first Mayor under the Government of 
the LTnited States. It has always been and it will always be a 
proud honor to be the Mayor of the city of New Orleans. 

“Under the administration of Mayor de Bore the population of 
New Orleans was between 9,000 and 10,000. At the present day 
it has attained to from 325,000 to 350,000. New Orleans was at 


110 


that time confined, to what is now the heart of the French quar- 
ter, or what is known to the local civil engineers and to the 
Creole population as the Carre de la Ville, that is to say, that 
part of the city included between Esplanade Avenue and Bienville 
Street, the river and Rampart Street. At the present time the 
city extends from the United States Barracks to Carrollton, and 
from the river almost to Lake Pontchartrain, including Algiers, 
which is known as the Fifth District. 

“If Mayor de Bore could, after his long absence, revisit New 
Orleans to-day, he would fail altogether to recognize it. The 
Mayor of the city, who, one „ hundred years from this 
date, will be successor to me, will be able to say 
in turn of Mayor Capdevielle what has just been said of Mayor 
de Bore, because as Ex-Governor Francis said in his address 
yesterday, Oe changes and improvements o+* the century to come 
are destined to eclipse those of the century just closed. 

“Fellow-Citizens, standing before you at the close of an event- 
ful period of the history of New Orleans, I greet the coming 
fortunes of the metropolis and invoke upon it the best blessings 
of Providence. 1 thank the distinguished visitors from abroad and 
from other States whose presence has contributed so largely to : 
the success of the present celebration. In behalf of the muni- 
cipality, I give expression to their acknowledgments of the pub- 
lic spirit and partriotic action of the Governor in procuring for 
the occasion the support of State authority. In closing, I wish 
to say that all manner of credit is due to the Louisiana Historical 
Society, by whose inspiration and under whose direction the 
exercises have been so well and so successfully conducted A 

After concluding his address, Mayor Capdevielle read the 

PROCLAMATION OF GOVERNOR CLAIBORNE, 

♦ m i 

which was as follows : 

“By His Excellency William C. C. Claiborne, Governor of the 
Mississippi Territory, exercising the powers of Governor General 
and Irtendant of the Province of Louisiana. 

“Whereas, by stipulations between the Governments of France 
and Spain, the latter ceded to the former the colony and province 
of Louisiana, with the same extent which it had at the date of 
the above mentioned treaty in the hands of Spain, and that it had 
when France possessed it, and such as it ought to be after the 
treaties subsequently entered into between Spain and other States ; 
and, whereas, the Government of France has ceded the same to 
the United States by a treaty duly ratified, and bearing date of 
30th of April, in the present year, and the possession of said 
colony and province is now in the United States, according to the 
tenor of the last mentioned treaty ; and, whereas, the Congress 
of the United States, on the 31st day of October, in the present 
year, did enact that until the expiration of the .session of Congress 
then sitting (unless provisions for the temporary government 
•of the said Territory be sooner made by Congress), all the mili- 


Ill 

firary, civil and judicial powers, exercised by the then existing 
Government of the same, shall be vested in such person or 
■persons, and shall be exercised in such manner, as the President 
of the United States shall direct, for the maintaining and pro- 



MISS AMEN AIDE SONIAT du FOSSAT, 8 Years of Age. 

Who hoisted the flag in Jackson Square, December 

20 , 1903 . 

tecting the inhabitants of Louisiana in the free enjoyment of 
their liberty, property and religion ; and the President of the 
United States has, by his commission, bearing the date the same 
31 st daj of October, invested me with all the powers, and charged 


112 


me with the several duties heretofore held and exercised by the 
Governor General and Intendant of the province. 

“1 have, therefore, thought fit to issue this my proclamation, 
making known the premises, and to declare that the Government 



Photo by P. Ernest Carriere. 

RAISING OF THE FLAG. 

Sunday, December 20, 1903. 

heretofore exercised over the said province of Louisiana, as well 
as under the authority of Spain as of the French Republic, has 
ceased, and that of the United States of America is established 
over the same ; that the inhabitants thereof will be incorporated 




113 


m the Union of the United States; that, in the meantime, they 
shall be maintained and protected in the free enjoyment of their 
liberty, property and the religion which they profess ; that all laws 
and municipal regulations which were in existence at the cessa- 
tion of the late Government remain in full force ; and that all 
civil officers charged with their execution, except those whose 
powers have been especially vested in me, and except also such 
officers as have been intrusted with the collection of the revenue, 
are continued in their functions, during the pleasure of the 
Governor for the time being, or until provision shall otherwise 
be made. 

“And I do hereby exhort and enjoin all the inhabitants and 
other persons within the said province to be faithful and true in 
their allegiance to the United States, and obedient to the laws and 
authorities of the same, under full assurance that their just rights 
will be under the guardianship of the United States, and will be 
maintained from all force or violence from without or within. 

“In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand. Given 
at the city of New Orleans the 20th day of December, 1803, and 
of the independence of the United States of America, the 28th. 

W. C. C. Claiborne/' 

After reading the proclamation of Governor Claiborne, Mayor 
Capdevielle officially declared the celebration at an end. ■ 

At a signal from Colonel Zacharie, all eyes turned to' the center 
of Jackson Square where little Amenaide Soniat du Fossat, the 
eight-vear-old daughter of Meloncy Soniat du Fossat and Exilee 
Fortier, and a lineal descendant of the Chevalier Guy Soniat du 
Fossat, an officer in the French army, who came to this city iti 
1751, stood ready to hoist the flag in imitation of the 

HOISTING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG 

one hundred years ago over the newly acquired territory. In 
a moment the Stars and Stripes were floating to the breeze, and 
no sooner had the flag reached the top of the pole, when the salut- 
ing gun of the Washington Arttilerv boomed in honor of the 
cession, and the men-of-war, taking up the salute, each fired 
twenty-one guns in honor of the celebration of the great event. 

This event closed the official exercises of the celebration and 
the guests turned homeward, while the official representatives 
entered the justices' room of the Supreme Court to sign the pro- 
ces-verbal : 

PROCES VERBAL OF THE CENTENNIAL CERE- 
MONIES OF DECEMBER 20, 1903. 

Be it known, that, on this the twentieth day of December, 1903, 
of the Christian era, and of the one hundredth and twenty-eighth 
year of the independence of the United States, ceremonies com- 
memorative of the centennial anniversary of the transfer of Louis- 
iana bv France to the United States were held in the Sala Capi- 
tular of the Cabildo in the city of New Orleans, under the presi- 
dency of His Excellency. William Wright Heard, Governor of 


f Ip 

Louisiana, and in the presence of the representatives of the* 
United States, France and Spain, Paul Capdevielle, Mayor of the 
city of New Orlans, State and City officials and. distinguished citi- 
zens of Louisiana and other States. 

At these ceremonies were present :: 

Prof. Alcee Fortier, President of the Louisiana Historical So- 
ciety, representing the French Commissioner, Pierre Clement 
Laussat ; Charles T. Soniat du Fos-sat, his Secretary Daugerot ; 
the Hon. Charles F. Claiborne, representing his grandfather,. 
Commissioner William Charles Cole Claiborne; the Hon. Theo- 
dore S. Wilkinson, representing his great-grandfather, Commis- 
sioner Brigadier General James Wilkinson, and the Hon. 
James S. Zacharie, a member of the City Council, rep- 
resenting Secretary Wadsworth. After reading the pow- 
ers of the Commissioner Laussat to receive the transfer 
of Louisiana from Spain, which took place November 
30, 1803, an d the proces verbal of the transfer by France to the 
United State's on December 20, 1803, and the address of Governor 
Claiborne on receiving possession of Louisiana, and the delivery 
of cpmmmorative medals and the reading of Governor Claiborne's 
proclamation by the Mayor of New Orleans, from the central 
balcony of the Cabildo, and addresses being made by the Gover- 
nor of Louisiana and Mayor of New Orleans, the officials and 
citizens present, in order to preserve a good record of these com- 
memorative centennial ceremonies,, have signed this proces verbal. 

Signed : W. W. Heard, Governor. 

Jusserand, Ambassador of France. 

J. Tuero Y O'Donnell, Representing Spain. 

W. C. Wise, Rear Admiral, L T . S. N., 

Representing the United States Government. 

Paul Capdevielle, Mayor of New Orleans. 

Francis T. Nicholls, 

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. 

A. D. Land, Associate Justice. 

of the Supreme Court of Louisiana. 

Alcee Fortier, Representing Laussat. 

E. Lemogne, 

M Commanding the Jurien de la Graviere. 

Theodore S. Wilkinson. 

P. L. Chapelle, Archbishop of New Orleans 

and Apostolic Delegate. 

Charles F. Claiborne. 

James S. Zacharie. 

David R. Francis, 

President Louisiana Purchase Exposition. 

Charles T. Soniat. 

F. A. Monroe, 

Associate Justice Supreme Court. 

Joseph A. Breaux, 

Associate Justice Supreme Court. 

Olivier O. Provosty, 

Associate Justice Supreme Court. 


115 


BANQUET TO THE RIO DE LA PLATA. 

The Spanish cruiser Rio de la Plata, commanded by Captain 
Don Jose Puig* y Marcel, which was specially ordered to New 
Orleans to represent Spain during the Centennial ceremonies, 
arrived too late to take part in the Naval Review, as it reached 
New Orleans, Sunday afternoon, December 20th. However, 
the Louisiana Historical Society, in view of the fact that the de- 
lay was caused by stress of weather and other fortuituous circum- 
stances, treated the officers as honored guests and gave a banquet 
in their honor. 

The United States, France and Spain fraternized on the night 
of December 25, 1903, through their respective representatives, 
at the banquet given by the Louisiana Historical Society, at 
Antoine's Restaurant, in honor of the Captain and officers of 
the Spanish cruiser Rio de la Plata. 

President Fortier welcomed the guests, and said he 

was happy indeed to bring the representatives of France 
and of Spain together to meet the representatives of the 
United States at a banquet given in honor of the cap- 
tain and officers of the Spanish Navy. These three 

governments having at successive epochs dominated over Louisi- 
ana, it was eminently proper that these representatives, on this 
first centennial celebration, should be sitting at the same table, 
enjoying the hospitalities of the Louisiana Historical Society. 

President Fortier recalled the historical Spanish names of 
governors and public men in Louisiana, and remarked that their 
names have been commemorated in this city by the nomenclature 
of her streets. 

In conclusion, he drank to the health of the King of Spain, 
and repeated the toast 111 Spanish. 

HON. TUERO Y O'DONNELL, 

Consul of Spain, and specially designated to- represent his Govern- 
ment at the celebration of the Centennial, replied as follows : 

“The incalculable benefits secured, and, it might as well be 
frankly and graciously admitted, yet to accrue, not alone to this 
country, but to the world at large, through the acquisition by 
the United States Government from that of France a century ago 
of the vast tract of land then known as the Louisiana Territory, 
have been so appropriately and eloquently expatiated upon al- 
ready by experienced orators, who, besides, enjoyed the advan- 
tage of using their own native tongue in which to communicate 
their sentiments and thoughts in that connection, that, really Mr. 
President and members of the Louisiana Historical Society, it 
is with a deep sense of diffidence and backwardness that I ven- 
ture, once more to-night, to have my own poor words enlarge 
the chorus of genuine congratulation that is due you at the gor- 
geous and unprecedented success which so deservedly has crown- 
ed your patriotic initative and masterfully directed exertions 
toward bringing about the now never-to-be-forgotten com memo- 


ration of that historical event, so fraught yet with still more 
bountiful consequences for this land through the unborn years of 
the future. 

“However, I hope I may not be wrong in judging, not only that 
it is out of question, but would be considered altogether out of 
place for me to indulge here in any long-stretched and elaborate 
dissertation or in any attempt at an academical discourse, as it 
were, since, as I understand it, this distinguished concourse has 
been called together rather in the spirit of a mutual fraternization 
of the different elements here assembled, than with any idea or 
desire of having well-beaten ground gone over again. 

“Therefore, under the circumstances, you will kindly permit, 
gentlemen, that I cut short my remarks. I shall not do so, 
though, without first, and in the name and on behalf of the 
Government which I have the honor to> represent in these hospita- 
ble parts, as well as in the name and on behalf of the Comman- 
der, officers and crew of the Spanish cruiser Rio de la Plata, and 
on my own personal account, too, without first, I say, offering 
you, even if expressed in inadequate terms, our unreserved assur- 
ance of keen appreciation of the many marks of consideration of 
which we have been the object at the hands of your National, 
State and city authorities, and last, but certainly not least, at those 
of the Commander and officers of the American fleet here in port. 

“And to you also, Mr. President and members of the Louisiana 
Historical Society, are fairly due and hence heartily tendered 
our choicest sentiment of thankfulness and like appreciation for 
this delightful reception to the Spanish cruiser Rio de la Plata, 
despite its late arrival upon the scene of our recent ‘festivities over 
the event commemorated, which tardiness, however, was entirely 
caused by conditions controlled by Force Majeure. 

<( Permit me, also, gentlemen, that I here take occasion to formu- 
late a vow which rises to my lips from the innermost sincerity 
of my soul. Would to God that this auspicious assemblage, at 
a banquet table under one roof, and especially on Christmas Day, 
of the representative elements of different nations on a footing 
of the most open congeniality, might but prove the presaging 
augury of a long, long reign of perfect peace, true happiness and 
full prosperity for each of these nations, respectively/* 

ADMIRAL WISE 

responded to the toast “The President, and the Army and Navy 
of the United States/* 

The Admiral said he was very grateful, indeed, for the cordial 
reception that has been accorded the Navy of the United States, 
and himself, as representing the United States Government. He 
promised to give a good account of the Louisiana Historical So- 
ciety when he will attend the celebration by the Virginia His- 
torical Society of the three hundredth anniversary of the found- 
ing of Jamestown, Ya. 

“In China,” said the Admiral “when a great man dies, his 
people make a terrible din with guns, drums, fireworks and the 


117 


like so as to notify the spirits in the other world that a great 
personage has gone to join them. When the two hundredth an- 
niversary of the Transfer c*£ Louisiana shall he celebrated, I hope 
there will be a Louisiana Historical Society to make enough noise 
so that we will know that it is still on deck." 

“France” was responded to by 

HON. PIERRE RICHARD, 

Consul General of France. Air. Richard said that the gentlemen 
of the Louisiana Historical Society have done admirably. They 
were eminently right in giving the banquet in honor of the Span- 
ish officers, whose country played such an important role in the 
early history of Louisiana. France is also represented here. 
Was she not the grandmother, so to speak, of the people of 
Louisiana? Are they not right, those gallant Franco-Louisiani- 
ans, to- preserve in their hearts some love for France, some regard 
for Laussat, the Colonial Prefect w1k> helped to transfer Loui- 
siana to the United States. And, in keeping an indefaceable 
souvenir of the mother country, they can be, at the same time, 
loyal American citizens. Frenchmen and Americans will always 
be friends and brothers. They are citizens of the great Republic 
of the United States and of the prosperous Republic of France. 
May the friendship of these two nations be everlasting ; and may 
the dags of the United States and Spain and France always boat 
side by side, glorious emblems of concord and of civilization. 

President Fortier said that Governor Heard had sent regrets 
that he could not come. Archbishop Chapelle also sent regrets. 

THE TOAST TO LOUISIANA 

was replied to by Lieutenant Governor Estopinal. He said that 
Louisiana is proud of her history, which had been largely made 
up by France and Spain until the United States acquired the ter- 
ritory in 1803. Louisianians do feel sympathy and love for the 
country of their ancestors. We wished the gallant representa- 
tives of France, Spain and the United States the fullest success 
in all their missions. 

Captain Newbill, U. S. A., replied to the sentiment, “The 
Army of the United States." He said that Louisiana was so 
charming that people could not call her “Louisiana," but said 
“Lou/' for short. 

MAYOR CAPDEVIELLE. 

spoke for the City of New Orleans, and warmly welcomed the 
distinguished guests. He hoped that they would return for the 
Carnival. The Mayor drank to the prosperity of the Louisiana 
Historical Society, which, he said, has given the most successful 
celebration ever given in the City of New Orleans, and, as Mayor, 
he thanked the Society for having so well done its work. 

Very appropriate addresses were made by General Meyer, As- 
sociate Justice Breaux, Messrs. Sevilla, Claiborne, Gill, Dymond, 
Denegre, Thompson, Ficklen, Cusachs, Waguespack, Glynn, 


118 


Zacharie and James M. Augustin, the latter speaking for the 
press of New Orleans. 

Captain Puig-Marcel made a very neatly-worded address of 
thanks, in Spanish. Captain Lemogne expressed similar 
thoughts in French, and Captains Veeder, Marix, Hellner and 
Merrell, speaking for the Army and Navy, eulogized New Or- 
leans and her hospitable people, and spoke in glowing terms of 
the Carnival pageants. 

Captain Merrell remarked that his being stationed in New Or- 
leans causes him to be envied by every Captain in the Navy. New 
Orleans is a continuous carnival. 

Captain Lemogne' s speech was the last. He said : 

“Je cede aux pressantes solicitations de M. le President, pour 
dire quelques mots qui cloront la serie des discours. J'emporte- 
rai avec moi un ineffaqable souvenir de mon sejour ala Nouvelle 
Orleans. M. le President, je ne dirai pas adieu, mais au revoir. 
Les officiers du Jurien de la Graviere pensent comme moi." 

This means in English : 

Cl yield to the pressing request of the President, and will say 
a few words to close the series of speeches. I will take with me 
to France an imperishable remembrance of New Orleans, Mr. 
President, and I will not say adieu, but au revoir. The officers 
of the Jurien de la Graviere feel as I do." 

The guests and the members of the Louisiana Historical So- 
ciety were as follows : 

Rear Admiral W. C. Wise, U. S. N., commanding United 
States ship Minneapolis; Captain Juan Puig Marcel, commanding 
Spanish cruiser Rk> de la Plata ; Captain E. Lemogne, command- 
ing the French cruiser Jurien de la Graviere; President Alcee 
Fortier, of the Louisiana Historical Society ; Hon. Paul Capde- 
veille, Mayor of the City of New Orleans ; Hon. Charles F. 
Claiborne, Hon. Pierre Richard, Consul General of France ; Hon. 
Tuero y O'Donnell, Spanish Consul; Hon. Albert Estopinal, 
Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana ; Captain Marix, L T . S. N., 
Arsenio Roji, James de Sabat, Antonio Gascon, of the Spanish 
cruiser; Willard Douglas Newbill, Captain, L T . S. A.; John P. 
Merrell, Captain, Lb S. N. ; Jos M. Barrera, Captain, second in 
command, of the Spanish cruiser; General Adolph Meyer, M. 

C. ; Jose del Romero, of the Spanish cruiser ; Jorge Barbastro, 
Gayetano Tejer, of the Spanish cruiser ; T. E. De Witt Veeder, 
Commander, U. S. N., commanding United States ship Hartford ; 
Associate Justice Jos. A. Breaux, of the Louisiana Supreme 
Court ; J. W. Cruzat, L. C. Heilner, Captain command- 
ing United States ship Yankee ; Felix J. Puig, James 

D. Hill, J. A. Hoogewerff, Hill Dombaugh, John Dymond, John 
R. Ficklen, Henry M. Gill, Jos. M. Esteve, Wm. H. Seymour, 
George Koppel, Alfred F. Livaudais, Louis G. Le Beuf, M. D., 
Bus. Rouen, Henry Renshaw, Charles T. Soniat, P. M. 
Westfeldt, James M. Augustin, George Lloyd-Seese, General 
John Glynn, Jr., Walter D. Denegre, James H. Reid, W. J. Wag- 
uespack, Frank Woodruff Kellogg, T. P. Thompson. 


119 


THE CELEBRATION'S SUCCESS. _ .. 

“The ceremonies were complete and satisfactory, perfectly ar^ 
ranged and perfectly carried out, and I took pleasure in con- 
gratulating the Historical Society. I never saw a ceremony car-; 
ried through with more completeness in every detail. It was 
especially pleasant to have in New Orleans the distinguished 
visitors who were present, and I believe they were all charmed 
with the celebration and the hospitality shown them individually." 
— William Wright Heard, Governor of Louisiana. 

“New Orleans is famed for the hospitality and culture of its 
people and the beauty of its women, and on this occasion it fully 
maintained the reputation it won in the past. We are all de- 
lighted with our visit, and I have just finished congratulating the 
ladies and gentlemen having it in charge on the perfect manner 
in which everything was executed, We are particularly grati- 
fied at the interest shown in the Exposition. I am glad of the 
advance New Orleans is making commercially,, and of the de- 
velopment of its manufactures/' — David R. Francis, Ex-Gover- 
nor of Missouri, President of the 'Louisiana Purchase Exposi- 
tion. 

c * “ ^ 

“The ceremonies in commemoration of the Louisiana Purchase 
Centennial were admirably carried out, and the Historical Society 
deserves recognition for the success of the celebration. The only 
regret is that the Spanish war vessel did not arrive here in time 
for the ceremonies, but I am sure that everything will be done to< 
make the stay of the officers and crew .very enjoyable neverthe- 
less." — Placide' L. Chapelle, Archbishop of New Orleans and 
Apostolic Delegate to Cuba and Porto Rico. , 

• “Leaving 1 unsaid all that I might express relative to my cordial 
reception in New Orleans, because it is useless to seek for words 
of adequate weight, I can say that I am delighted with my so- 
journ ’in New Orleans. I found' the French colony : numerous 
and prosperous, and the descendants of Frenchmen keeping afresh 
in their hearts; the ^sacred fire of affection for the country of their 
ancestors." — J. J. Jusserand, Ambassador of the French Repub- 
lic to the United States.^ - - ; ( • ' 

“The celebration was' well conducted' and was; successful in 
every way. Much of its success was due to the courtesy of the 
French and Spanish -Governments in sending representatives to 
join with the' representative of the United States. I think we 
should be especially pleased that these Governments accepted the 
invitation and were represnted in the celebration of the most 
epochal date in the history of the United States." — Paul Capde- 

vielle, Mavor of New Orleans. 

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